On Thursday, April 16, 2026, the Central Library of the University of Garmian, in coordination with HAUKARI e.V., organized a scientific panel titled "Anfal: From Catastrophe to Oblivion; Why Has Anfal Not Produced Awareness?" at the university’s main campus.

The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Aras F. Zainal, President of the University of Garmian, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammed I. Khalil, Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Higher Education, alongside a number of faculty members and students.

Core Themes and Presentations

The panel focused on the literary, national, and social dimensions of the Anfal tragedy through two primary sessions:

• First Theme: "Literature as the Subjectification of the Other's Anfal"

Presented by Asst. Prof. Dr. Herem Othman, this session examined the role of literature in addressing this national catastrophe. He highlighted the limitations within Kurdish literary genres in serving the Anfal cause with sufficient depth and comprehensiveness.

Second Theme: "Anfal as a Past That Does Not Pass".

Presented by Dr. Bestoon Abdulkarim, a lecturer at the University of Garmian. He argued that Anfal has not yet been transformed into a collective, enduring memory or a unifying national pain. Instead, he noted it often remains a seasonal topic discussed in media and academic circles only during its annual anniversary.

Interactive Discussion and Conclusion

Following the presentations, an open discussion session was held, allowing attendees to exchange questions and perspectives on how to keep this national issue alive in the collective consciousness. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the speakers for their academic contributions.