President Jalal Talabani Foundation Seminar Explores Mam Jalal’s Legacy in Fostering Coexistence with Sulaymaniyah’s Christian Community
2026-09-27
President Jalal Talabani Foundation Seminar Explores Mam Jalal’s Legacy in Fostering Coexistence with Sulaymaniyah’s Christian Community
As part of intellectual and academic initiatives, the President Jalal Talabani Foundation hosted an insightful seminar introducing a new study titled "Evaluating Mam Jalal’s Coexistence Initiatives and Support for Sulaymaniyah’s Christians Through the Memories of Sulaymaniyah’s Christians: An Oral History Study."
The seminar brought together prominent members of the local Christian community, alongside writers and intellectuals from Sulaymaniyah. The research was conducted and presented by Prof. Dr. Saman Husein Ahmad, a professor in the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Sulaimani's College of Basic Education.
The study examines President Mam Jalal’s long-standing conviction regarding Kurdistan’s religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity. From the beginning of his political career, Mam Jalal consistently advocated for viewing Kurdistan’s diverse communities as foundational and inseparable pillars of the nation's history. The paper evaluates how his theoretical principles and public speeches translated into concrete support and practical initiatives for the city's Christian population.
Additionally, the research traces the history of Christians in Sulaymaniyah, from their initial arrival following the city's founding to the establishment of their distinct district—historically referred to as the Gawran neighborhood—and the construction of St. Mary’s Church in 1862. By analyzing written records and oral testimonies, the study documents Mam Jalal’s role in preserving this heritage and safeguarding the community's presence.
The seminar concluded with an open discussion where participants shared memories and proposals, emphasizing the importance of documenting oral history to strengthen the culture of peaceful coexistence across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.