Iraqi Kurdistan - Study Tour
Tour Date:
After decades of war and violence, Iraqi Kurdistan is today experiencing profound economic and social changes. The mushrooming of gated communities, grand shopping malls and luxurious restaurants points towards the astounding new wealth acquired by some parts of the society. While some regard Iraqi-Kurdistan as predestined to become the new Dubai, most of its population has other priorities. The region is experiencing a deep economic crisis and many people are without a job. Other concerns range from protecting the environment to starting a process to reconcile the violent past with the present and creating a more just society.
Our focus
An essential part of this trip is engaging with civil society activists in Iraqi Kurdistan. What do women’s rights activists, both the old and new Peshmerga, journalists, and ordinary citizens think about the politics and society in today’s Iraqi Kurdistan?
We will learn about the everyday realities, hopes and wishes of people living in historic villages, like Amadiye and Lalesh, or in major cities such as Sulaymaniya, Dohuk, and Erbil.
Led by our seasoned partners from Go-Wild-Kurdistan, we’ll hike on mountain paths once used by the Peshmerga and explore nature in its historical context.
Tour Price
Reduced Price
Tour program:
- Get-Together, Introduction to Program
- Input on Politics, History and Society of Iraqi Kurdistan
- Dinner at a fantastic Jordanian Restaurant
- Bus Transfer to Sulaimaniyeh
- Visit of the former prison of Saddam Hussein's Baath party which now hosts an political and art exhibitions
- Lunch and Freetime in the Market Area
- Meeting with representatives of women centres, Discussion on the situation of (marginalised) women in Iraqi-Kurdistan
- Visit of the former Tobacco Factory that is now home to several Art Initiatives
- Guided Tour in the National Museum that hosts archeological Treasures of different Epochs
- Transfer to Halabja: Visit of the memorial site and Talk with affected persons
- Discussion with Activists of an Independent Radio Station
- Picnic and walk in the mountainous Hawraman region
- Dinner with Environmental Activists
- Transfer to Erbil
- Meeting with International Organizations that work in the fields of Humanitarian Aid and Culture
- Afternoon: Visit of the 4000 year old citadell which hosts several museums
- Free time in the Langa Bazar next to the cidadell
- Dinner in Christian Ain Kawa, visit of a local church and optional visit of a bar
- Visit of the Parliament, meeting with deputies - Topic: the Political System in Kurdistan, influence of the Parliament
- Meeting with Kurdish Activists in Syria
- Reflection: Joint Processing of the Experiences at Sami Abdul Rahman Park
- Dinner with Internationals working in Erbil - Space for informal talks
- Transfer to Dohuk
- Meeting with Students of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Dohuk
- Visit of the Jinda Center for female victims of sexual violence
- Sunset on Zawa Mountain, view towards Mossul Dam and Niniveh Plain: Input on the Situation of Refugees and the Fight against ISIL
- Dinner in the Assyrian Cultural Club
- Daytrip to the Yezidi sanctuary Lalesh, guided tour by a local
- Visit of the old monastery al-Qosh, Focus on Christianity in Iraq
- Early Evening: Possibility to buy Things for the Hike
- Dinner at Dohuk Dam
- Daytrip to Amediye, a 3000-year old city located on a mountain plateau
- Visit of the water mill which produces the country's best sesame paste
- Afternoon: Beginning of hike with Go-Wild Kurdistan in the Gara Mountains
- Overnight Stay in Tents near a Mountain Village
- Full Day Hike
- Return to Dohuk in the Evening
- Reception of a Conference on Minorities at Dohuk University
- Attendance of the Conference at Dohuk University
- Evaluation of the Trip
- Final Dinner
Departure to Airport
Reisehinweise Ende:
It is possible to skip the hike at the end of the tour and stay in Dohuk. We offer to organize some alternative meetings.
In case the minimum number of participants cannot be reached, we reserve the right to cancel the tour. Therefore, we highly suggest to not book the flights until the tour is officially confirmed from our side.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if there are any more questions.
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