Under the patronage of Professor Dr. Aras Fariq Zainal, President of the University of Garmian, the University is proud to announce the 6th International Scientific Conference on “The Enduring Legacy of the Garmian Region: Archaeology, Identity, and Historical Significance” (ISC-AIHG-2026).

Organized in collaboration with the Karim Alaka Foundation, the PAST Lab of the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, and the Historical Archaeological Italian Mission in Kurdistan (MISAK), the conference will be hosted at the University of Garmian, Kalar, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

This prestigious international forum brings together scholars to explore the cultural, historical, and archaeological legacy of the Garmian region, with a particular focus on under-researched periods from the Late Bronze Age to the age of Kurdish dynasties.

Keynote Speakers

• Prof. Dr. Zrar S. Tofiq, University of Duhok – Kurdistan Region

• Adjunct Prof. Dr. Serenella Mancini, University of Bologna – Italy

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Esmail Shams, Allameh Tabataba’i University – Iran

Conference Themes and Panels

• Cultural Interaction and Geo-Political Strategy of Garmian Region – Political, military, and cultural transformations during the Late Bronze Age and Neo-Assyrian period.

• The Administration, Religion, and Culture of the Garmian Region (1st Millennium B.C. – 1st Millennium A.D.) – Exploring the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian legacies.

• Garmian at the Crossroads: Conquest, Coexistence, and Conversion – The region’s role during the Sassanian, early Islamic, and Caliphal periods.

• Garmian in the Age of Kurdish Dynasties – Focus on Kurdish dynasties such as the Hasanwayhids and the Annazids.

• Religious Diversity and Intellectual Life – The evolution of religious traditions from the Bronze Age through Islam, with emphasis on Judaism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Islam, and Yarsanism.

• Garmian in Regional and Global Historiography – How historians and scholars have shaped the narrative of Garmian’s identity.

• Archaeology and Material Culture of Garmian – Archaeological findings including architecture, coins, ceramics, manuscripts, and pottery.

Important Dates

• Conference Announcement: September 19, 2025

• Deadline for Abstract Submission: October 19, 2025

• Response to Abstracts: November 14, 2025

• Deadline for Full-Text Submission: January 12, 2026

Significance of the Conference

The conference aims to uncover hidden historical realities, contextualize Garmian’s influence within regional civilizations, and promote awareness of its multi-religious and multicultural heritage. It also seeks to encourage collaboration between local and international institutions, safeguard cultural identity, and enhance archaeological literacy for future generations.

The University of Garmian invites scholars, researchers, and institutions from across the world to participate in this landmark academic event dedicated to the preservation and study of the Garmian region’s enduring legacy.

Email :aihs@garmian.edu.krd

Conference website : https://sites.google.com/garmian.edu.krd/aihg-2026/home