Newsletter June 2025

This Eid, kids between 6 and 9 years old are invited to a special celebration of stories and creativity at the Sêv Gallery. On Wednesday, June 4 at 5 PM, the Goethe-Institut Irak and the Sêv Gallery will host another Bulbul event featuring the children’s classic “Der Regenbogenfisch” (The Rainbow Fish) by Marcus Pfister—a story about a glittering fish who learns that sharing his shiny scales brings true happiness and friendship. After the story, the children will get creative, use their imagination and explore the story artistically.

Bulbul is a project of the Goethe-Institut Irak and the Sêv Gallery.

On Fridays, people interested in literature and culture meet at the Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad. On May 30, the Goethe-Institut Irak and al-Mada invite you to the regular Chai Talk at 11 AM in the al-Mada House.

The Chai Talk is a series of events organised by the Goethe-Institut Irak and the Mada Group for Media, Culture and Art.

On 16 June at 6 PM, the Goethe-Institut Irak is hosting the vernissage ‘My Unseen Works’, which presents works by the Kurdish-Iranian artist Namo. The artist was born in 1964 in Bokan, Iran, has taught art at various universities in the region and is strongly concerned with Kurdish identity. In his paintings, he explores this identity and reflects cultural narratives and the resilience of the Kurdish people.

The exhibition is open until 23 June and takes place at Kewnara Café.

The Goethe-Institut Irak and the Institut Français d'Irak, together with the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports, are inviting to the Fête de la Musique on Saturday, 21 June, in the Al-Shaab summer hall in Baghdad. From 8 PM to 1 AM, the hall will be transformed into a stage for musical diversity and intercultural exchange.

The festival, which was launched in France in 1982, has long since developed into a global event. On this day, musicians - whether professional or amateur - perform free of charge in public spaces all over the world to celebrate the start of summer with music.

A varied programme is also on offer in Baghdad this year: German musician Valentin Vierling, Berlin DJ Ben Mono, an Iraqi DJ and several local bands will bring together sounds from different musical worlds. The event is not only about music, but also about the co-operation between European cultural institutes and the strengthening of cultural relations with Iraq.

The Goethe-Institut Irak offers free preparation courses for levels A1, B1 and B2 to help you prepare for the upcoming language exams. Participation is possible both in presence at the institute in Erbil and in an online setting. Several dates are available. Once you have registered, you will be contacted by telephone to confirm your participation.

Early registration is recommended as the number of places is limited.

From May 18 to 22, a storytelling workshop organized by the Goethe-Institut Irak in cooperation with the Hardi Cultural Center brought together nine women from different parts of Iraq. The five-day program aimed to create a space for healing through writing and shared dialogue.

Central to the workshop was the use of creative writing as a means of processing personal experiences. Participants engaged in reflective exercises and shared their stories within a safe, supportive environment. Through open dialogue, they not only developed personal reflections but also fostered a strong sense of connection and mutual solidarity.