Kurdish-German University Set to Open in Dresden by 2026
“This university is both Kurdish and German, and it will be officially recognized in Germany. We are planning to begin academic activities by the end of 2026,” Dr. Younis Bahram told Kurdistan24.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In the heart of Dresden, eastern Germany, Dr. Younis Bahram, an academic and supervisor of the Kurdish-German International University project, is spearheading a bold educational initiative that promises to reshape the landscape of Kurdish higher education in Europe.
Set to open its doors by the end of 2026, the university aspires to become a pioneering institution blending Kurdish and German academic traditions. Operating from his office in Dresden, Dr. Bahram confirmed the dual identity of the university and its recognition within Germany.
“This university is both Kurdish and German, and it will be officially recognized in Germany. We are planning to begin academic activities by the end of 2026,” Dr. Younis Bahram told Kurdistan24.
Trilingual Curriculum, Cultural Mission
The university will be the first of its kind in Germany with a distinct Kurdish identity. Its curriculum will cover a diverse array of disciplines, including Kurdish studies (Kurdology), literature, and engineering, taught in three languages: Kurdish (in both Sorani and Kurmanji dialects), English, and German.
The project also emphasizes collaboration with academic institutions in the Kurdistan Region. Notably, the university has already established partnerships with the University of Kurdistan in Erbil and Nawroz University in Duhok.
“We will rely on both the Sorani and Kurmanji dialects in our teaching. We are also working on expanding our relationships with other Kurdish universities within the Region,” Dr. Bahram added.
Filling a Long-Standing Gap in the Diaspora
The foundation of the university responds to a longstanding need within Germany’s Kurdish diaspora, which, despite establishing various cultural and social organizations, continues to lack academic institutions dedicated to preserving Kurdish language and identity.
“A university of this nature is extremely important for the Kurdish generation born here. It provides a cultural and educational link to their roots. It’s a unique opportunity to understand oneself and belong through education,” said Abdulghani Kako, a writer and cultural affairs observer, in an interview with Kurdistan24.
A Milestone in Institutional Kurdish Education
Over past decades, both individuals and organizations have worked to safeguard the Kurdish language and identity in Europe. However, this project stands out as one of the most structured and ambitious academic efforts to embed Kurdish heritage within the European scientific and educational sphere.
The Kurdish-German International University is poised to become not only a symbol of cultural continuity but also a beacon of academic excellence for future generations in the diaspora.
