On Tuesday, February 10–12, 2026, a training course was held at Cihan University–Erbil. The course was organized by the Departments of Business Administration and Media in coordination with the Erbil branch of the Kurdistan Economic Syndicate. During the course, university lecturers presented several practical and academic topics.
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the second day of the training, Assistant Lecturer Aso Abdulrahman, a member of the Erbil branch of the Kurdistan Economic Syndicate, and Dr. Mahmoud Hamdamin, Assistant Professor at Cihan University–Erbil, delivered lectures on the role of media and marketing.
Assistant Lecturer Aso Abdulrahman focused on the foundations of social media marketing. He emphasized key principles such as defining objectives, developing effective content, and using social media platforms to improve marketing performance and increase brand visibility. Assistant Professor Dr. Mahmoud Hamdamin then highlighted the importance of media in investment decision-making, explaining how media channels influence investor behavior, perceptions, and decision-making processes in financial markets.
On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the third day of the course, Assistant Professor Dr. Hawkar Qasim Pirdawood, Head of the Department of Business Administration, spoke about the importance of big data and market analysis through social media. He explained how large volumes of social media data can be analyzed to better understand user behavior, market trends, and business performance. Several practical activities were conducted with participants, including real examples of data collection and analysis, to provide hands-on experience and strengthen understanding of real-world applications. Later, Assistant Lecturer Dilan Ismail presented a session on returns in digital markets, discussing emerging concepts, the importance of return on investment (ROI), and effective strategies for measuring and improving digital marketing performance.
The course topics were presented through both academic and practical approaches, incorporating discussion, real-life examples, and applied training. At the end of the course, Assistant Professor Dr. Hawkar Qasim Pirdawood distributed certificates to the participants and lecturers who contributed to the training.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Headships of the Department of Business Administration and the Department of Media at Cihan University–Erbil, in coordination with the Kurdistan Economic Syndicate in Erbil, launched an intensive training course for students and lecturers from both departments.
The training course, titled “The Impact of Media and Social Media on Markets and Investment,” has started in the Cihan Academy Hall and is scheduled to continue for three days. At the beginning of the course, Assistant Professor Dr. Hawkar Qasim Pirdawood, Head of the Department of Business Administration, delivered an introductory speech in which he discussed the importance and objectives of the training course.
On the first day of the course, Professor Dr. Ayub Anwar Smaqayi, a university lecturer and representative of the Kurdistan Economic Syndicate in Erbil, presented a session on the influence of traditional media on consumer behavior. He focused on traditional media channels such as television, radio, newspapers, and magazines, explaining their important role in shaping consumers’ behavior, needs, and preferences. He also highlighted the power of advertising and its impact on individuals within society.
In another session of the course, Assistant Lecturer Azwar Mahdi Salih, Head of Media, discussed Media Department transformation and its impact on product development. During his presentation, Mr. Salih explained how changes in media technology and platforms affect product design, development, and marketing. He also emphasized the role of digital tools and modern media in understanding customer needs, improving product innovation, and increasing competitiveness and sustainability in the market.
At the end of the first day of the training course, students, lecturers, and attendees were given the opportunity to engage in discussion and ask questions about the topics presented, and the presenters provided clear and complete answers to all questions.
On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Department of Business Administration at Cihan University–Erbil held a three-day training course for its students titled ‘Creating a University Environment that Supports Mental Health.” The course took place in the university’s academic hall and aimed to enhance students’ scientific and academic development.
The course was supervised by Assistant Professor Dr. Hawkar Qasim Pirdawood, Head of the Department of Business Administration.
At the beginning of the course, Assistant Professor Dr. Ebtisam Muhammad Saeed from the Department of Psychology at the Nineveh Education Administration presented several key topics. She emphasized the importance of mental health and explained its impact on students’ ability to study effectively, work productively, and maintain balance in their lives. She also discussed methods of providing mental support, such as active listening, guidance, and mindfulness programs, which help students cope with psychological pressure and strengthen their social relationships.
During the course, Assistant Professor Dr. Mahmoud Muhammad Amin Al-Bashkali, a lecturer in the Department of Business Administration at Cihan University–Erbil, addressed the effects of mental pressure on students’ decision-making and future leadership roles. He explained how stress negatively influences academic performance, concentration, and logical thinking, which in turn affects the quality of decision-making. He also discussed strategies for managing mental pressure and highlighted the role of support and guidance in preparing students to face future challenges.
Zakat al Ilm” program at Cihan University – Duhok continues offering distinguished courses. Today, Sunday, August 25th, 2024, the Department of Computer Science opened a practical course for teachers of Cihan International School. This practical course organized by the Department of Computer Science for teachers of Cihan International School addresses a variety of topics and techniques in the field of computer science and the use of technology and assistive programs in education. This course aims keep teachers’ skills up to date, which helps them provide more effective education and keep pace with modern technological developments.
On August 15th, 2024, the College of Nursing, Cihan University-Duhok, successfully concluded the “Heart Saver and First Aid” course, delivered as part of the “Zakat Al-Ilm” Program, an initiative aimed at promoting knowledge and skill development within the community. The course was led by Dr. [Layla M. Salih], Head of the College of Nursing, and was designed to provide advanced training in essential first aid practices. Over the course of one week, participants, specifically teachers from both primary and secondary schools, engaged in an intensive program that combined both theoretical knowledge and practical training. The curriculum covered critical areas of first aid, including the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), effective wound management, and the implementation of emergency response techniques. The course aimed to equip educators with the skills necessary to manage health emergencies that could arise in educational settings, thereby enhancing the safety and well-being of students under their care. The course also emphasized the importance of timely and effective intervention, reinforcing the role of teachers as first responders in school environments
7 new lectures in the human development training course On July 22 and 23, 2024, the continuation of (Zakat Al-ilm) center, General Education Department commenced a training course on Human Development for A number of teachers from the Semel Education Directorate. The course covered topics such as educational counseling, psychological awareness, English language, computer skills, and parental roles in education. Seven lectures were presented by the following instructors: 1- Prof. Dr. Byar Mohammed Rashid Omar on “Human Evaluation and Decision Making in Social Interactions” 2- Prof. Dr. Ismail Bamarnin on “Philosophy of violence and treatment mechanisms” 3- Dr. Ahmad Abdulkarim on “The Importance of Second Language with Mother Tongue, English as an Example” 4- Mr. Peshkaft Abdulkarim on “The Role of Teachers in Students’ Personality Development” 5- M.H. Ali Abdel Qader, about the role of the teacher in building the psychological aspect of the student. 6- Lawyer Sardar Alani on “The Dangers of Drugs and Their Impact on Society and Family” 7- Colonel Hemn Sulaiman on “The Law of Misuse of Communication Devices and Social Media Problems”
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Dlan Ismail, the Department of Media at Cihan University-Erbil organized a specialized training session titled Photojournalism Techniques, conducted by trainer Samal Tofiq.
The session, which involved the participation of the Media Department students, began with Assistant Lecturer Dlan Ismail highlighting the department’s efforts to further develop students’ academic level through media-related subjects and courses, focusing on a practical approach to enhance their skills.
Trainer Samal Tofiq then discussed the basics of camera operation and photojournalism techniques, explaining that progress in the media field requires professional competence and journalistic skills, including a strong understanding of photography and its different styles. Additionally, he pointed out camera techniques that enrich media content, noting that images reflect speed and deliver messages clearly.
During the session, students had the opportunity to ask questions. One of the students, Rizgar Salih, asked about the best angles for taking photos. Another student, Lawin Najat, inquired about the best types of cameras for media work.
After the question-and-answer session, Trainer Samal Tofiq explained the concept of ‘Golden Point’ or ‘Golden Ratio’ in photography, which determines the essence of a well-composed image. He also discussed different camera models and their suitability for photojournalism, stressing that media organizations seeking success must choose the right equipment for their work.
The session provides the students with valuable insights into photojournalism techniques, helping them improve their media production skills.
On January 20, 2025, the Department of Media at Cihan University-Erbil organized a workshop titled “Fundamentals of TV Presentation and Communication Skills for Journalists,” presented by Dr. Amjad Younis Al-Janabi, an academic and media professional from Samarra Satellite Channel. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on quality education and lifelong learning. The workshop was attended by Assistant Lecturer Azwar Mehdi Qasim Agha, Head of the Media Department, along with faculty members and a large group of students.
In the first session, Dr. Amjad Younis addressed the “Fundamentals of Presentation and Dealing with the Camera.” He provided a thorough explanation of how to prepare mentally, physically, and psychologically for working in front of the camera, with a strong emphasis on practical application. His engaging teaching style, including innovative analogies like comparing a TV production team to a football team, encouraged active student participation and sparked insightful discussions.
The second session, led by Dr. Ali Munim Al-Qudah, focused on “Essential Communication Skills for Beginner Journalists.” He covered key skills such as writing, editing, using modern technology, public speaking, dialogue, reading, and non-verbal communication. Dr. Ali Munim also stressed the importance of consistent training and practice to hone these skills.
At the end of the session, Dr. Amjad Younis expressed interest in hosting Media Department students at Samarra Satellite Channel. He emphasized the value of field visits as a means of bridging theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
Assistant Lecturer Azwar Qasim Agha reflected on the workshop’s significance, stating that it plays a crucial role in “honing the skills of our students and equipping them for success in the media industry.” He also highlighted the Media Department’s ongoing effort to bring in experts from various media organizations, ensuring students stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. This workshop is part of the Media Department’s broader commitment to preparing students for the job market while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4, which emphasizes quality education.
A specialized team from Cihan University – Sulaymaniyah, consisting of Assistant Professor Dr. Sadat Abdullah (Assistant to the University President), Dr. Momin Zalmi, and Lecturer Hemin Rashid Agha, visited the Sharazoor Education Directorate office.
The team was welcomed by the Education Director and the First Supervisor. In a brief meeting, discussions were held on the importance of pedagogical training courses for teachers and teaching methodologies.
The Education Director thanked the Cihan University-Sulaymaniyah team for their dedication and efforts in responding to the Education Directorate’s request to conduct this course.
As the first group, the course is offered to all contracted teachers in the middle schools of Sharazoor district and its surrounding areas.
The course began in the hall of the Sharazoor Education Directorate office. Both Dr. Sadat and Instructor Nabil gave brief speeches about the importance and methodology of this course to the participating teachers.
Subsequently, the first day of the course was successfully concluded under the supervision of Dr. Momin Zalmi.
As part of its educational mission, Cihan University-Sulaymaniyah has always emphasized building relationships between the university and various sectors, particularly the education sector. This activity was organized within this framework.
On Wednesday, 15/10/2025, at Jehan Academy, as part of the Knowledge Zakat Project, and in the presence of Dr. Nuzad Yahya Saeed Bajker, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the World Universities, certificates were distributed to the participants who are special education (autism) teachers. It is worth mentioning that the lectures were delivered by the skilled trainer, Dr. Horan Saeed Abdullah.
