On the 27th January 2015, Soran University and The University of Central Florida held a unique conference for Kurdologists in Orlando, Florida. The Conference was entitled ’On the Outside Looking In: A Kurdish Studies Conference’. A large number of academics, politicians, economic counsellors, and well-known figures were present.
The conference began with a speech by Dr Muslih Mustafa, President of Soran University. In his speech, he welcomed the attendees and wished them a good time. Following this, John Bersia, Head of Academic Relations at the University of Central Florida, spoke about the importance of holding this conference. He asserted that this is the first time that a joint conference has been held between a Kurdish and an American university outside of Kurdistan. He also said that both universities will support each other as part of a great project, and that this conference was the first step of their relationship.
As part of his welcoming speech, Dr Michael Gunter talked about the history of Kurdish studies in USA, and he emphasized the development of the Kurdistan and USA relationship at the moment.
After the welcoming speeches, the seminars began and continued until nine o’clock in the evening. A number of important seminars were presented by lecturers from Soran University; these are to be published by both universities this year.
As part of the conference, a photographic exhibition was held in the hall opposite the conference- for the photographs taken by the renowned American photographer, Robert Leutheuser. The exhibition was entitled ’What Did Humanity Lose in Sinjar?’ and showed the many thoughtful and characterful images of Ezidis and Sinjar over the last decades.
The conference ended with a speech by Dr Stephen Kock, senior advisor for the American International Relations Institution, and advisor to the White House on international relations. He talked about the perspective of the USA government on issues including the independence of Kurdistan and the possibilities of the dissolution of Iraqi government.
Translated by: Karwan Fayzi Dri
