Cihan University-Erbil Students Undertake Academic and Cultural Tour of Krakow, Poland

Within the framework of the ongoing student exchange program at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Poland, a delegation of students from Cihan University-Erbil embarked on an academic and cultural tour of Krakow, Poland, on Friday, November 7, 2025.

Krakow is renowned as one of Europe’s most significant historical cultural and academic centers. During their visit, the students explored the Old Town (Stare Miasto), a UNESCO World Heritage site. They wandered through its charming streets, appreciating the Renaissance architecture and the vibrant atmosphere of the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny). The students were particularly impressed by St. Mary’s Basilica, with its distinctive twin towers and the historic Hejnał Mariacki trumpet call, which added a profound cultural and historical dimension to their experience.

In another significant part of their journey, Cihan University-Erbil students (Ibrahim Zaki Mohammed Salih), a second- stage student in the Physiotherapy department; (Marwan Mohammed Ahmed), a second- stage student in the Nutrition and Dietetics department; and (Mohamed Ali Baktish), a third- stage student in the Medical Laboratory Analysis department visited the iconic Wawel Castle. Situated on Wawel Hill overlooking the Vistula River, this castle, once the residence of Polish monarchs, remains a powerful symbol of Polish history and national identity. The site offered the students an intimate encounter with the castle’s courtyards and museums, serving as a deep academic and cultural opportunity to understand the country’s rich art, history, and heritage.

The students from Cihan University-Erbil stated that the trip was a unique and invaluable experience, allowing them to engage directly with historical monuments and grasp the importance of cultural heritage preservation. Furthermore, they emphasized its effective role in broadening their academic and cultural horizons.