Hope on Display: Kurdish Artists Transform Sulaimani Cancer Hospital
Around 60 Kurdish artists have hung over 100 artworks in Sulaimani's Hiwa Cancer Treatment Hospital. The nature-themed art transforms sterile walls, providing crucial psychological support and hope to patients on their difficult treatment journey.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The sterile, white walls of Hiwa Hospital in Sulaimani have been transformed into a vibrant gallery of hope, where the beauty of Kurdistan’s nature now hangs to inspire and comfort cancer patients on their difficult treatment journey. In a unique humanitarian initiative, around 60 photographers and artists from across the Kurdistan Region have come together to prove that art can be a powerful form of medicine, alleviating the psychological pain that accompanies the fight against cancer.
In a collaborative effort, the artists have curated and displayed more than 100 photographic and fine art pieces throughout the hospital.
The collection, which now adorns the facility’s corridors, predominantly features evocative scenes of autumn and the rich, diverse nature of the Kurdistan Region. The core belief driving the project is that visual art can serve as a profound source of strength and psychological support for individuals undergoing strenuous medical care.
Photographer Nasih Ali Khayat, one of the participating artists, explained the mission behind the initiative in a statement to Kurdistan24. "Perhaps a single word or a picture can give great hope to a patient," Khayat said. "Through our art and the nature of Kurdistan, we seek to be a source of inspiration and strength for these patients."
The positive effect on patient morale has been immediately apparent, according to the hospital's leadership. Yad Naqshbandi, the director of Hiwa Hospital, confirmed the clear impact of the artwork. "Seeing these artworks is much better than the lifeless, white hospital walls," Naqshbandi told Kurdistan24.
He noted that the hospital's physical location lacks scenic surroundings, making the project's contribution all the more significant. "Unfortunately, the hospital's location lacks any beautiful views, and that is why this initiative has had a great and direct impact," he added.
This infusion of artistic and psychological support comes at a critical time, with a rising number of cancer diagnoses in the Region. More than 2,000 new cases were recorded in the first half of this year alone. In the face of this challenge, such initiatives are recognized as an important part of the holistic support that patients need in addition to their medical treatment.
At Hiwa Hospital, the treatment journey is now understood to extend beyond medicine. As observed by Kurdistan 24’s Hawzhin Jamal in Sulaimani, life is also being renewed through art and color, offering patients a tangible glimmer of hope and a measure of tranquility amid their difficult circumstances.
Kurdistan 24’s correspondent Hawzhin Jamal contributed to this report.
