At a Glance

• The Galawezh International Festival will run for three days in Slemani.

• Twenty-five works have been accepted across three literary categories.

• The program includes panels, concerts, exhibitions, and performances.

The 29th Galawezh International Festival is scheduled to be held from November 5–7, 2026, under the slogan “Galawezh: A Platform for Diverse Cultures” at Talari Hunar Hall in Slemani.

Key Statements and Focus Area

• Accepted Works: Twenty-five titles have been officially accepted this year, made up of seven research papers, seven short stories, and eleven poems.

• Awards: The top entries in research, short story, and poetry will be recognized at the festival.

• Focus Area: The 29th edition of the Galawezh International Festival and its program of literary works and cultural events.

Events begin at 3:00 PM each day. Among the research papers are studies on literature and honor killing, the place of song and music in classical Kurdish poetry, the challenges of using artificial intelligence among the digital generation at the University of Duhok, and the heritage of Zagros music.

Contributors come from across the Kurdistan Region and abroad, including Germany, France, and Spain.

Beyond presenting the accepted works and choosing the best entries, the festival will host panel discussions, music and vocal concerts, art and photography exhibitions, theater performances, and special publications.

FYI

Launched in 1996, the Galawezh International Festival is organized annually by the Galawezh Cultural Center and is considered the largest literary festival in the Kurdistan Region.

It is one of the most prominent cultural events in Slemani and Southern Kurdistan, aiming to promote culture in Kurdistan and build bridges between intellectuals across the region to exchange ideas and experiences.

Dive Deeper: Handpicked Stories for You

Follow Channel8 for continuous updates:

Halabja Pomegranate Festival Begins on the 28th Featuring Cultural and Musical Activities

Erbil International Book Fair Opens with Over 400 Publishing Houses Participating