On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, representatives from Mergasor Technical Institute and Porterville College in California, USA, undertook a commemorative visit to the historic and sacred sites in Barzan, including the Shrine Place, the Barzani Memorial, and the monument dedicated to the victims of the Barzani genocide.
The visit followed the closing ceremony of a joint educational initiative titled “A Bridge Between Cultures in Education”, during which certificates were awarded to course participants in recognition of their engagement and achievement. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in fostering cross-cultural collaboration in education between the Kurdistan Region and the United States.
Following the event, the delegation from Mergasor Technical Institute, accompanied by Porterville College staff, was warmly received by Mr. Khalat Barzani, the official representative of President Masoud Barzani at the Shrine Place. During the visit, the Vice President of Porterville College laid a wreath at the grave of the late General Mulla Mustafa Barzani, paying tribute to the iconic Kurdish leader.
The Porterville College team also delivered a brief address acknowledging the historical significance of the site and expressed their solidarity with the Kurdish people. The delegation proceeded to tour the Barzani Museum, where they were welcomed by the museum’s staff and guided through exhibits highlighting the legacy and struggles of the Barzani family.
Concluding the visit, the delegation paid their respects at the monument commemorating the victims of the Barzani genocide, where they were received by the director and staff of the site. The visit served as a poignant reminder of shared human values and the importance of cultural understanding and historical remembrance.