As part of strengthening scientific and academic cooperation, on Sunday, July 5, 2026, a high-level delegation from the University of Zakho, headed Dr. Diyar A. Saeed, President of the University of Zakho, and Dr. Jassim M. Abdo, Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Higher Education, paid an official academic visit to Şırnak University.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr. Abdurrahim Alkış, President of Şırnak University, along with a number of academic leaders and officials. The meeting was also attended by Dr. İdris Demir, President of Batman University, Dr. Nihat Şındak, President of Siirt University, and Dr. Mehmet Tahir Güllüoğlu, President of Harran University.

The visit aimed to strengthen and expand academic and cultural collaboration among four universities in Türkiye (Şırnak, Batman, Harran, and Siirt) and four universities in the Kurdistan Region (University of Zakho, Soran University, Duhok Polytechnic University, and Akre University for Applied Sciences).

During the official meeting, discussions focused on developing a future roadmap for joint cooperation, particularly in the following areas:

• Exchange of academic and scientific expertise among faculty members and students.

• Implementation of joint scientific research projects.

• Organization of joint international conferences and seminars.

Field Visits to Scientific and Cultural Centers

As part of the visit's program, the University of Zakho delegation toured several colleges, research centers, and academic facilities at Şırnak University.

To further connect academic cooperation with the region's rich cultural heritage, the delegation also visited several important historical and cultural landmarks, most notably the historic Melayê Cizîrî School. During the visit, discussions emphasized the importance of preserving and revitalizing this valuable historical and cultural heritage as a cultural bridge between the two regions.

This visit represents an important step in the University of Zakho's strategic vision to expand partnerships with regional and international universities and to contribute to the continued development of higher education through meaningful academic collaboration.