Monthly Archives: July 2025

Dean’s Statement on Commemorating the 42nd Anniversary of the Barzani Genocide

The 42nd anniversary of the Barzani genocide is not just a historic brutal crime—it is a profound sorrow, an enduring wound, and a permanent scar in the face of humanity and in the eyes of those who sought to silence us.

When life was meant to greet my first cries with the warmth of my father’s and brother’s smiles, the dark hands of tyranny shattered that joy.
The cruelest forces robbed me of my loved ones and left their fate cloaked in silence and uncertainty. For me, the memory of Anfal and the Barzani genocide is not merely a collective tragedy—it is a personal agony. I am a survivor of that genocide.

Forty-two years ago, in an attempt to extinguish the Kurdish liberation movement, Saddam Hussein’s regime committed one of the most heinous crimes in modern history: the systematic extermination of over 8,000 Barzani men and boys. Since that day, we have lived with the pain of their absence—an ache that generations carry.

Today, we commemorate this atrocity with heavy hearts. Yet when we reflect on history, we see clearly the contrasting destinies: the victims have become eternal symbols of resilience, while the perpetrators have vanished into the disgraceful pages of history. We, the survivors, the children of genocide, and the bearers of this immense sorrow, have risen with dignity. The Anfal criminals are forgotten; we remain.

For us, July 31 is not the only day of remembrance. Every single day is marked by the memory of those lost. They were not just numbers—each of the 8,000 had a name, a life, a dream, a love for their homeland, their faith, humanity, and the natural world.

As academics and as Kurds, it is our solemn duty to preserve this memory and ensure it is passed on. The future generations must know the truth: that their ancestors were exterminated not for crimes or conflict, but simply because they were Kurdish—because they were Barzanis. This truth is essential to shaping a conscious, just, and free future.

The Anfal campaign against the Barzanis will remain etched in our collective memory forever. It is a testament to our suffering—and a stain on the conscience of humanity.

Once again, we bow our heads in honor of the innocent souls lost to barbarity. To them, we pledge that, as always, the will of Kurdistan, and the spirit of Barzan, shall remain strong and unyielding.

Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omar
30 July 2025

 

As part of the Erbil Polytechnic University’s internationalisation efforts, Mergasor Technical Institute (MTI) welcomed a group of Arab exchange students currently participating in a summer training program.

During a formal reception held at MTI, the Dean of the Institute, Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omer, extended a warm welcome to the students and introduced them to the academic structure, scientific developments, and key departments of the institute—particularly in the fields of Nursing, Business Administration, Medicinal Plants, and Beekeeping.

He expressed his hope that the students would benefit from the expertise and academic experience offered at MTI and, in turn, share the rich culture and hospitality of the Kurdish people with their peers back home.

This exchange visit is part of a broader summer training program coordinated between the Erbil Polytechnic University and the Association of Arab Universities.

The initiative aims to strengthen academic ties and promote cultural understanding among students from the Arab region. This year, MTI is hosting students from universities in Oman, Yemen and Palestine.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Talib emphasized, “We are very pleased to host you as part of our student mobility program, which is a key pillar of our university’s internationalisation strategy.

Our goal is to build bridges of cooperation and academic partnership between higher education institutions in Kurdistan and the Arab world.”

He added, “Your presence in Kurdistan is a valuable opportunity to foster mutual understanding, exchange academic experiences, and promote openness to diverse educational cultures, all of which contribute to shaping the future of higher education and enhancing your academic and professional prospects.”

The visit also included a cultural and historical tour. Accompanied by MTI staff, the students visited the Barzani Memorial. There, they were welcomed by Mr. Sheikh Khalat Barzani, the representative of President Masoud Barzani, who shared inspiring reflections on the Kurdish liberation movement and the historic role of the late Barzani. The delegation also paid tribute at the Anfal Martyrs Monument in Barzan.

MTI wishes the visiting students a rewarding and impactful experience in Kurdistan, filled with lasting friendships, meaningful academic exchanges, and cultural insight to carry back to their home countries.

MTI Media Outlet

On Wednesday 23July 2025, An important collaborative meeting was held today in Erbil, bringing together key figures from academia, government, and the private sector to advance joint efforts in animal health and environmental protection.

Present at the meeting were Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omer, Dean of Mergasor Technical Institute; Dr. Ahmad, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Salahaddin University; Dr. Adel Sulaiman, Director General of the Erbil Wildlife Center; and Mr. Hersh Al-Tayar, Founder of the 77 Leading Group of Companies and President of Al-Tayar Innovative Company for Construction Sector Development.

The discussions focused on establishing a strategic partnership to implement collaborative scientific initiatives in practical and professional training, animal health, and environmental preservation. A joint plan was drafted to carry out these initiatives at Mergasor Technical Institute.

The partnership also aims to honor and promote the sacred values of the Barzani Sheikhs in protecting animals, the environment, and human welfare—emphasizing a holistic approach that unites tradition with innovation.