University of Sulaimani

History

Deeply rooted foundations

First founded in 1968, the University of Sulaimani has experienced many changes and developments. These modifications in the system of the university have only helped it grow as an institution for the better. Playing a crucial role in shaping society by educating generations of students, advancing research and innovation, and contributing to economic growth and expansion, University of Sulaimani has been in the forefront of academia in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Learning from our insightful history, with the aid of present knowledge, we look forward to a fruitful future.

Explore our history

When was the University of Slemani founded?

In accordance with Iraqi law and Kurdish intellectuals pushing for an academic institution, the University of Sulaimani was founded in 1968 in the city of Sulaymaniyah. It was acknowledged as the “mother university” in 1996 as it is the first university in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

Who founded the University of Slemani?

In need of an official place for pursuing academic studies, the political leaders, poineered by the Late President Jalal Talabani, and intellectuals at the time advocated for the construction of a university in the city of Sulaymaniyah. With the unanimous decision and help of eloquent representatives, the University of Sulaimani became reality.

How was the University of Sulaimani rebuilt?

After the University of Sulaimani was ripped from the people of Sulaymaniyah and moved to Erbil, a high committee worked arduously to reconstruct the university. In 1992, the process was successfully realised, and the university started growing both in terms of new chances and academic prowess ever since.

Incidents & Milestones

Foundation of UoS

The University of Sulaimani, founded in Sulaymaniyah on October 23, 1968 pursuant to the Iraqi law No. 143, is the oldest public university in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Its foundation was decided after negotiations between Kurdish delegates from Kurdish political leadership and officials in the Iraqi government of the time.

1968

UoS transformation

On April 24, 1974, the University of Sulaimani’s campus in Qaladiza was bombed, and as a result a number of students were martyred.

To punish Sulaymaniyah’s courageous people for their constant strife against the Ba’ath Regime's unjust rule, the University of Sulaimani was moved to Erbil (Hawler) by force in 1981.

1981

Reopening UoS

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) decided to rebuild the University of Sulaimani in Sulaymaniyah on October 31, 1992, and it opened its doors for students in November of the same year. A high committee supervised the rebuilding of the university, and Prof. Dr. Kamal Mohammed Saeed became the first president and chaired the university at the time.

1992

University of
Sulaimani