Old languages and writings of the Middle-East

What is the goal of the exchange programme with Sulaimani University?
'In our Bachelor and (Res)Master programmes, we focus on old languages and writings from the Middle East, in particular the cuneiform script that was used for over 3,000 years in the region that now constitutes Iraq, Syria, Türkiye, and Iran.

Sulaimani University hosts excellent study programmes in the field of Kurdistan languages, cultures and archaeology. Until today, this region used to be at the center of networks and routes between West and Central Asia. The University is involved in excavations in the surrounding area, and the museum of Suleimani is a testimony of the large Kurdistan inheritance. Leiden University is an interesting partner for staff and students from Suleimani, since our knowledge infrastructure within this field is well established and since we offer study programmes with many different possibilities to further specialize. The Faculty of Archaeology and the Middle Eastern Studies programme at the Faculty of Humanities will play a role in this cooperation project as well, allowing Iraqi students to benefit from the unique expertise of Leiden University in these different fields.'

Which activities do you wish to carry out with the awarded ICM grant?
'Thanks to the ICM grant, we are able to set up a long-term cooperation with Sulaimani University. In Suleimani, our students will have the possibility to gain hands-on experience, for example by taking part in excavations or by doing an internship at the museum. This cooperation will also allow us to pilot outgoing student exchanges to Iraq. Conversely, we are looking forward to welcome students and staff from Suleimani during our lectures and to organising scientific workships and masterclasses.'

Why is international cooperation so important within your field of expertise?
'With this exchange project, we not only want to share our teaching and research methods, but also critically evaluate them. In an 'international class room', you not only get to know others, but also yourself.'

Read this interview and two interviews with other ICM project coordinators on the university website.