Yezidi Studies Center Reflects on Yezidi Periodicals at Munich University in Germany
In a workshop conducted from January 19th to 20th, 2024 at Munich University in Germany, Dr. Qader Shammo, representing the Yezidi Studies Center, delved into the dynamics of “Yezidi periodicals since the 1990s.” His insightful presentation explored how these publications have fostered communal bonds across regions, transcending political and symbolic borders. The workshop provided a valuable exploration into lesser-known narratives within Islamicate print culture, enriching our understanding of media’s role in shaping community ties. For more information about this Workshop click here.
German Language Course for Preparing Students for A1 Proficiency Test
The Yezidi Studies Center, in collaboration with Leipzig University in Germany and the Nopel Organization for Social Development in Iraq, presents an intensive German language course. Running from March 3 to March 28, 2024, the course meets five days a week, with two hours of morning and two hours of afternoon sessions. Instructed by native German speakers Rosalie and Lina from Germany, the program provides all necessary teaching materials and prepares students for a practice test for the A1 proficiency exam in the Goethe-Institute. Limited to 30 participants, the course fee is only $100 and will be conducted in Sharya/ Duhok. Contact Dilgash Saleem at +9647504294985 for more information. Enhance your language skills and prepare for the A1 proficiency with us! register yourself by clicking here.
2nd Outreach Tour of YSC to the Yezidi Community in Iraq
Congratulations to Our First Cohort of PhD students at Leipzig University – Yezidi Studies Center
The Yezidi Studies Center is pleased to announce the inauguration of its first cohort of PhD students, who start their academic work and research at the Oriental Institute, Leipzig University on October 1, 2023. Over the course of the next years they will use their interdisciplinary skills and competences as well as the facilities and resources here at Leipzig University to produce innovative, first-class research in the field of Yezidi Studies. Under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Sebastian Maisel, the three candidates approach their topics from different thematic angles (art, psychology, religious studies) using interdisciplinary methodologies and diverse sources and languages: 1. Zaid Khalaf Ali: The Bereavement Program for Yezidi Families2. Musafer Qassim: Erhalt und Verlust jesidischer Symbole 21. Jahrhundert3. Ilyas Isa: Die Tradition der religiösen Gelehrten der Yeziden – Die Träger der oralen TraditionIn due time, the YSC will publish progress reports of their work on our website.
Yezidi Studies Center’s Activities Featured in German Newspaper
We are delighted to announce that the Yezidi Studies Center has received coverage in the Leipzig University newspaper. This recognition underscores our commitment to advancing Yezidi studies and raising awareness about the Yezidi community’s rich cultural heritage and challenges. At the Yezidi Studies Center, we have worked tirelessly to promote understanding and research into the Yezidi community’s history, culture, and contemporary issues. Our dedication has not gone unnoticed, and we are honored to be featured in this newspaper as we continue our mission. We are excited to share our journey with a wider audience and further engage in meaningful dialogue about Yezidi studies. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, scholars, and allies who have been integral to our success. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the Yezidi studies
The Yezidi Studies Center successfully completed the Summer Semester 2023 Course at the University of Leipzig.
The course on the interdisciplinary nature of Yezidi studies that was offered during the summer semester of 2023 by Prof. Dr. Maisel and Dr. Shammo was successfully completed. Many students from various backgrounds and professions, including (bachelor, master, and Ph.D.) students, attended the course. The course exposed the students to a variety of methodologies that enabled them to investigate Yezidi society, religion, and culture, as well as the current state of Yezidi community development. The students enthusiastically welcomed the course and took part by giving presentations on various Yezidi-related topics. The Yeizid Studies Center will continuously do such programs in the coming semesters.
Outreach Tour of the YSC to the Yezidi Community in Iraq
The Response of the Yezidi Community to Germany´s Recognition of the Genocide including Recommended Action
In the summer of 2023, the Yezidi Studies Center will formally begin offering lectures at the University of Leipzig.
The University of Kurdistan Hawler, in Coordination with the Yezidi Studies Center, Signs a Research and Educational Cooperation Agreement with the German University of Leipzig
As its first official partnership, the Yezidi Study Center at the Oriental Institute, Leipzig University signed a collaboration agreement with the University of Kurdistan Hewler on March 20, 2023. The representative of two sides, Prof. Dr. Sebastian Maisel, executive director of the Oriental Institute and co-founder of YSC, and Prof. Dr. Keith Sharp, president of UKH aspire to work together in the pursuit of knowledge and the academic exchange of students and faculty with a particular emphasis on Yezidi studies and other fields of common interest. The first steps in this cooperation include joint workshops and summer school programs.Dr. Bayar Mustafa, UKHs Dean of External Engagement and Research, and Dr. Qader Shammo, co-founder of YSC participated in the event and contributed to the drafting of the agreement´s agenda.