On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the Catholic University in Erbil (CUE) marked the official opening of the Italian Corner at the Vision Library. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Ms. Zainab Khaleel, Deputy CEO of Vision Education, Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda, Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Mr. Michele Camerota, Italian Consul General in Erbil. This event underscores the deepening cultural diversity within the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
The inauguration coincided with the completion of the region’s first Italian language course, launched in April 2024 by Dante Global, a platform of Società Dante Alighieri. This introductory course, a first for the Kurdistan Region, represents a significant step in promoting the Italian language and culture.
During the ceremony, CUE President, Prof. Dr. Nazar Shabila, acknowledged the invaluable support of the Italian Consulate in Erbil. He highlighted that the Italian Corner would serve as a hub for exploring Italy’s rich cultural heritage, reflecting CUE’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity.
“This dual celebration highlights the vibrant cultural exchange at CUE, supported by the Consulate General of Italy in Erbil, Vision Education, and Dante Global,” stated Prof. Dr. Nazar.
In support of this initiative, the Italian Consulate General donated a selection of historic Italian books and journals to the Vision Library, enriching its collection and providing students and the community with resources to explore Italy’s culture and history.
Consul General Camerota praised Vision Education for its significant contributions to the education sector in the Kurdistan Region and emphasised the importance of the Italian Corner in advancing shared cultural and educational goals.
Ms. Zainab, representing Vision Education, reiterated the organisation’s dedication to enhancing the education sector in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. She emphasised that the Italian Corner will play a crucial role in promoting cultural diversity and understanding.
“Today, we are paving another pathway together. The significance of this initiative extends beyond the physical space. It symbolises the enduring and evolving relationship between the two nations. Italy, with its profound historical legacy and vibrant culture, has long been admired around the world, including here in our community,” she stated.
“The Italian Corner is more than just a collection of books. It is a celebration of our shared heritage and a testament to the enduring friendships between nations. We are excited to see the impact it will have on our readers and the broader community and look forward to the many enriching experiences it will offer.”
The Catholic University in Erbil (CUE), established in 2015 and funded by Vision Education, serves as a premier educational institution in the Kurdistan Region. The Vision Library, created in 2023, is a modern learning hub designed to house over 20,000 books, accessible to students, faculty, and the broader community.