The University of Rojava has held a graduation ceremony for 435 students in Freedom Park in Qamishli (Qamişlo), marking an important milestone for the region. Graduates completed studies in various disciplines, including Kurdish literature, social sciences, jurisprudence, history and engineering. Attendees included families, members of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), and local community leaders.
Founded in 2016 amid Syria’s ongoing conflict, the University of Rojava was created to provide an alternative to institutions controlled by the Syrian state. It has since evolved into a leading centre for academic and social reform in the region, with a notable focus on Jineology – women’s studies – the first of its kind in the Middle East.
Evîn Ehmed, a member of the university’s board of directors, highlighted the students’ perseverance in the face of the political and social challenges in the region. She said the graduates “are rewriting history through knowledge and science.”
Khalil Elî, from the Union of North and East Syrian Universities, addressed the graduates, describing them as the “builders of a democratic and honourable future” for the region. He expressed pride in their achievements, which he said reflect the transformative potential of the society.
The ceremony concluded with musical performances by Kurdish artists Nesrîn Botan and Xêro Abas, and diplomas were awarded by university professors and administrators. Many students wore traditional Kurdish attire, symbolising the region’s cultural heritage.
The University of Rojava continues to stride forward in its quest for international recognition. Recent academic partnerships with institutions such as Binghamton University and Washington State University have strengthened its global academic standing. These agreements foster joint research in culture, science and health, and enable student exchanges, further raising the university’s profile on the world stage.
In addition, a recent speech by renowned linguist and thinker Noam Chomsky at the University of Rojava has contributed to its growing intellectual influence. Chomsky praised the Rojava revolution and its commitment to women’s rights, highlighting the university’s potential role in securing peace in the Middle East.
By continuing to expand its international partnerships and intellectual contributions, the University of Rojava is carving out a significant place in the global academic community.
