Cihan University-Erbil Works Through the Night Market Festival to Highlight Capabilities and Skills, Connect the University with Society, and Receive Widespread Praise
On Thursday evening, August 27, 2026, the Cihan University-Erbil Night Market Festival commenced in the presence of senior university officials, Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil, and a group of entrepreneurs and university students. This activity, which continues for 10 nights, aims to provide opportunities for university students and graduates to introduce their handicrafts and small projects to the market and society.
Diverse Festival Objectives
During his tour of the festival sections and in a press statement, Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil, highlighted the economic and educational dimensions of the festival, saying: “This activity is a factor in revitalizing the market and providing space for professionals to display their work. Furthermore, it is an opportunity for our students to learn about buying and selling and to interact with the labor market. It is also gratifying that a large number of participants are graduates of our university; this represents our loyalty to them by creating a suitable platform. Through this festival, a university student can study market needs and identify what is required, which strengthens the bridge of communication between the university and the market.”
University Strategy in Serving the Community
Regarding the importance of this step, Nawzad Yahya Bajger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cihan Universities and Institutes, stated in a media comment: “Engaging with the community and bringing individuals into the university is one of the primary duties of universities. Therefore, we must create an environment to familiarize all social classes with one another. In this context, as the Board of Trustees, we have always supported youth to become brand owners and independent businesspeople. We are pleased today to see that many of these young project owners are graduates of Cihan University-Erbil. This is the engine of our university, which specializes in building skills so that every individual can make their degree the foundation of their future.”
Small Projects and Student Talents
During the festival, participants and project owners shared their experiences. Ms. Pari, owner of the “Pari’s Home” project for local food, expressed her gratitude to Cihan University-Erbil, noting that she did not expect such high attendance and that her food caters to all ages. Likewise, Ms. Sebar, owner of a handicraft project, stated: “This is my first time participating, and I produce concrete, candle, and resin products by hand. It is a wonderful feeling to see myself standing on my own feet alongside my studies.” At the same time, Iman, a university student in the Medical Biochemical Analysis Department at Cihan University-Erbil, spoke about how she introduced her small handicraft business to the public with her family’s support.
Relationship with Companies and Visitors’ Perspectives
Local companies also participated as a core part of this festival. The representative of Sanabel Rahma Co. (Istak agent) thanked Cihan University-Erbil for creating job opportunities and introducing people to various brands. The staff of “Erbil Doner” emphasized that youth should not remain idle and must start from somewhere. In this context, a visitor named Sherwan noted that this festival is distinct because it is held in an academic center like Cihan University-Erbil and gives special importance to handicrafts. Finally, a dessert project owner concluded: “This opportunity helped me see my dreams and introduce the flavors I create with my own hands to the people.”
This festival, which follows an organized system to introduce local products and develop youth capabilities, will continue for several more nights and is expected to become an important station for changing the work culture among the youth in the Kurdistan Region.
