Architects are currently restoring the famous five-century-old Qubahan School in Kurdistan. Historically known as the “Oxford of Kurdistan,” the academy was once one of the region’s greatest centers of learning. This ambitious conservation project aims to revive a magnificent chapter of regional history while reconnecting modern citizens with their rich intellectual heritage.
The historic town of Amedi rests atop a giant limestone plateau, approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Duhok. For more than two thousand years, diverse civilizations have left their marks on the town, giving it a unique urban character. Today, travelers from around the world visit Amedi for its breathtaking natural beauty and deep religious significance.
Sultan Hussein Wali founded the prestigious academy during the sixteenth century. His progressive rule ushered in a golden age of scholarship in the region. The institution’s name is derived from the Arabic word for “dome,” reflecting the elegant domed architecture that once adorned the entire school complex.
Qubahan offered far more than traditional religious education. It served as a major center of higher learning, attracting scholars from Persia, Anatolia, and the Arab world. Students studied Quranic interpretation and Islamic jurisprudence alongside astronomy, medicine, philosophy, literature, and linguistics. This remarkable academic diversity earned the school its outstanding regional reputation.
A legendary library once housed thousands of rare manuscripts. Unfortunately, successive conflicts and devastating fires destroyed these invaluable collections. As a result, the surviving stone walls remain an irreplaceable witness to the region’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage.
Dedicated conservation teams are carefully preserving the academy’s original architectural features. Although heavy seasonal rains slowed construction earlier this year, experts expect the structural restoration to be completed later this year. France is providing vital support for the project, while restoration specialists remain committed to preserving the site’s historical authenticity.
Elsewhere in Amedi, additional preservation projects are progressing rapidly. Restoration crews are rehabilitating the town’s historic mosque, church, and synagogue, landmarks that reflect a long tradition of peaceful coexistence. Ultimately, the government hopes these efforts will promote sustainable heritage tourism while safeguarding the region’s invaluable cultural legacy for future generations.