Call for Papers

4th International Kurdish Studies Conference

In recent years, Kurdish studies have gained increasing scholarly attention as the geopolitical, cultural and social dynamics of Kurdistan continue to shape, and to be shaped by, the regional and global context. This surge in academic and political interest takes place against the backdrop of rapidly changing balance of power and shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. Kurdistan and Kurdish people across all regions remain profoundly affected by these developments. Kurdish studies not only have produced significant knowledge from a variety of perspectives, but also uniquely positioned to explore multifaceted challenges and complexities in the region. As such, it remains an indispensable field of inquiry in contemporary academic discourse. In this context, the Kurdish Institute of Paris, in collaboration with the University of Kurdistan-Hewlêr and The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research- Kurdistan Regional Government, is pleased to announce the 4th International Kurdish Studies Conference, to be held from April 22-23, 2025 in Hewlêr (Erbil), Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This conference, organized with the support of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the French Ministry of Higher Education, aims to bring together scholars and experts from around the world working in the field of Kurdish Studies to present and discuss pioneering research on various aspects of the Kurds and Kurdistan. The conference will include comparative case studies that highlight interactions between Kurdish-related topics and other global contexts.

Keynote Speakers

• Prof. Hamit BOZARSLAN, Directeur d'études de l'EHESS, France

• Prof. Khanna OMARKHALI, Free University of Berlin, Germany

Conference Themes

We welcome submissions on a wide range of topics related to Kurdish studies, including but not limited to:

• Kurdish Society and Culture

• Kurdish Language and Literature

• Gender Studies within Kurdish Contexts

• Historical Perspectives on the Kurds

• Contemporary Kurdish Politics

• Regional and International Dynamics of Kurdistan

• Peacebuilding and Reconciliation

• Migration from, through and in Kurdistan

• Comparative Studies on the Kurds and Kurdistan

• Methodology in Kurdish studies

• Genocide and Memory Studies

• AI and Kurdish studies

• Comparative Perspectives on Historical and Current State of the Kurdish Self-determination Conflict

• Studies on the Global Kurdish Diaspora and the Role of Civil Society in Kurdistan

• Emerging Issues in Kurdish Studies and their Impact on Kurdistan

Panel Proposals

We also welcome proposals to organise panels on any topic related to Kurdish studies. Panel proposals should include a brief description of the panel theme (up to 300 words), a list of proposed participants, and a short bio for each presenter (up to 150 words each). We encourage panels that focus on interdisciplinary perspectives.

Submission Guidelines

Interested participants are invited to submit abstracts of no more than 400 words, along with a brief bio of up to 150 words, to the conference organisers by December 20, 2024. Abstracts should clearly state a brief summary that introduces the research topic, its significance, and the primary research question and objective. Additionally, they should include a concise overview of the methodology, key findings, and the research's contribution to the academic field, while adhering to the conference's word limit.

Abstract Submission Deadline: December 20, 2024 (in English)

• Notification of Acceptance: January 15, 2025

• Extended Submission Deadline: 28 February 2025 (2000 words, in English) – It should include the title with author affiliations, an introduction outlining the research question and context, and a methodology section describing the research methods. The results should summarize key findings, while the discussion and conclusion should highlight the implications and suggest future research directions.

• Submission Email: kurdishstudiesconference@ukh.edu.krd

Conference Grants

The University of Kurdistan Hewlêr has graciously committed to covering accommodation expenses for all conference participants. We are committed to ensuring the inclusivity and diversity of our conference. Travel grants are available for financially disadvantaged scholars, particularly early career and female academics. If you wish to apply for a travel grant, please indicate this in your submission and provide a brief statement of need.

Venue

The conference will be held at the University of Kurdistan Hewler in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Contact Information

For further details or inquiries, please contact: Seyedeh Zhina, Seyed Mohammad

Organising Committee

• Salih AKIN, University of Rouen-Normandy, France

• Nazand BEGIKHANI, Sciences Po, France

• Amir CHALI, Advisor, KRG Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research

• Naif BEZWAN, University of Vienna, Austria

• Janroj Yilmaz KELES, Middlesex University, United Kingdom

• Bayar MUSTAFA, University of Kurdistan Hewlêr, Kurdistan

• Arzu YILMAZ, University of Kurdistan Hewlêr, Kurdistan

We look forward to your contributions and to welcoming you to the 4th International Kurdish Studies Conference in Hewlêr (Erbil).

Sincerely,

On behalf of the Conference Organizing Committee
Kurdish Institute of Paris

University of Kurdistan Hewlêr

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research- Kurdistan Region Government