2025-10-31

Soran University Partnership in the TRANSITION Project

Soran University is proud to be a partner in the Erasmus+ TRANSITION Project, titled “Preserving the Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Minority Communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and in Yemen.” This important initiative is funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme, KA2 – Capacity Building in the Field of Higher Education (Strand 1) and runs from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2027.

The TRANSITION Project was established to promote innovative teaching and research focused on the preservation of the cultural heritage of minority communities. It combines a multidisciplinary approach to enhance awareness of cultural heritage preservation in both the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Yemen. The project also seeks to strengthen collaboration among universities, policymakers, local communities, and scientific organizations to support cultural resilience and post-conflict recovery. 

Through the project, Soran University, alongside its regional and international partners, contributes to updating university curricula, building the capacity of academic staff, and integrating cultural heritage studies into higher education systems. The project emphasizes the role of education in promoting peace, social cohesion, and cultural understanding among diverse communities.

The partnership includes leading institutions, in addition to Soran University, such as the University of Duhok (Coordinator), University of Sulaimani, University of Zakho, University of Aden, Taiz University, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Évora, and UNIMED (Mediterranean Universities Union). The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) also serves as an associated partner.

By taking part in TRANSITION, Soran University reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence, intercultural dialogue, and the preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. This collaboration reflects the University’s dedication to advancing research, promoting inclusivity, and fostering stronger partnerships between academia and society in the Kurdistan Region and beyond.

Consortium