Al-Mada Reading Club: A Cultural Haven in Erbil

Through partnerships, including a two-year collaboration with the Erbil based Goethe-Institut Iraq, the club has introduced innovative discussion methods, hosted specialized guests, and enhanced member engagement.

A book signing event at Al-Mada Reading Club, Sep. 30, 2024. (Photo: Al-Mada Reading Club)
A book signing event at Al-Mada Reading Club, Sep. 30, 2024. (Photo: Al-Mada Reading Club)

Jan. 25, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Al-Mada Reading Club stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Kurdish refugees from northern Syria (Rojava) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, proving that the pursuit of knowledge and culture can flourish even amidst hardship. 

Since its establishment on Nov. 25, 2014, Al-Mada Reading Club in Erbil has been a beacon of cultural and intellectual activity, bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the power of books and dialogue. 

Founded by Kurdish and Arab youth from Syria and Iraq, the club has become a vital part of the cultural fabric of the Kurdistan Region. 

The club’s founder and director, Shiyar Shikho, a philosophy graduate from Erbil’s Salahaddin University and a native of Afrin, Rojava described the club as “a cultural and social initiative for collective reading and discussion.” 

“Our goal is to make literature and knowledge accessible to everyone, regardless of their educational background,” Shikho told Kurdistan24. According to him, the club’s activities are inclusive, catering to both academics and casual readers. 

A Decade of Achievements

By the end of 2024, Al-Mada Reading Club had discussed over 130 books across various genres, with weekly meetings fostering vibrant debates about literature, philosophy, science, and history. Participants vote on the next book to be read at the end of each discussion, ensuring an interactive selection process.

The club has hosted more than 50 renowned authors and cultural figures, both local and international, enriching the discussions and inspiring members. Additionally, over 300 individuals have earned club memberships by attending 12 or more discussion sessions. 

Beyond book discussions, the club has organized approximately 40 cultural activities, including public lectures, poetry evenings, artistic performances, and book-signing events. 

The club is also a regular participant in the annual Erbil International Book Fair, hosting seminars and panels featuring prominent guests.

Supporting the Culture of Reading

Al-Mada Reading Club is committed to promoting the habit of reading among youth, aiming to turn it into a daily cultural practice. The club collaborates with multiple publishers to provide a diverse selection of books in Kurdish and Arabic. Through partnerships, including a two-year collaboration with the Erbil based Goethe-Institut Iraq, the club has introduced innovative discussion methods, hosted specialized guests, and enhanced member engagement.

The club’s future plans include expanding its cultural initiatives, increasing focus on Kurdish literature, attracting more youth, and innovating new methods to enrich the reading experience. “We aspire to build a community that values knowledge and fosters a deeper understanding of the world through books,” Shikho concluded.