Rojava Kurdistan Intellectuals’ Union holds 10th congress in Qamishlo

The Rojava Kurdistan Intellectuals’ Union is holding its 10th congress today at its headquarters in Qamishlo, under the slogan “In honour of the late Ahmad al-Husseini”. Dozens of union members are attending, along with a number of writers, intellectuals and people interested in cultural affairs.

The congress opened with a minute of silence, followed by a speech from Kemal Najm, a member of the preparatory committee. He said that the participants’ attendance reflected their support for the union and its work, and reviewed the stages of its activities since its establishment in 2014.

Najm noted that this was the first congress to be held in the absence of the late writer and poet Ahmad al-Husseini. He said the preparatory committee had chosen to honour his memory in recognition of his career and cultural contributions.

He also addressed the responsibility of intellectuals at the current stage and the need to preserve Kurdish culture and existence amid the changes taking place in the region, expressing confidence in the union’s ability to shoulder this responsibility.

Meanwhile, Anahita Sino, speaking on behalf of the union, paid tribute to al-Husseini’s life and sacrifices in defence of Kurdish culture and existence. She stressed that honouring his legacy meant continuing the work and following in his footsteps.

She stressed the need for cultural institutions to move beyond a narrow understanding of institutional work, calling on artists, writers and poets to help highlight and preserve the richness of Kurdish culture.

The congress also featured the reading of congratulatory messages from participating institutions and delegations, as well as a video presentation showcasing the union’s activities over the past two years and scenes from al-Husseini’s life. The sessions then continued behind closed doors, without media attendance.

According to the preparatory committee, the congress’s agenda includes reviewing the union’s report and assessing its work over the past two years. A new committee is expected to be elected, and a final statement issued.

ANHA