Slemani — November 5, 2026 — The 29th edition of the prestigious Galawezh International Cultural Festival officially kicked off today at Talari Hwnar in Slemani. Supported by Kurdsat Media Corporation, this year’s festival brings together writers, researchers, and artists from across Kurdistan, the region, and the world under the slogan: “Galawezh: A Platform for Diverse Cultures.”

The festival, scheduled to run from November 5 to 7, opened its proceedings with a rich cultural and artistic program highlighting Slemani’s role as an international hub for literature and free thought.

Adding a vibrant regional touch to the opening, the renowned Rastak Music Group took the stage, adorning the festival’s commencement with a selection of celebrated musical pieces that bridge diverse regional traditions and folklore.

In conjunction with the literary program, an expansive international fine arts exhibition was inaugurated at the venue. The exhibition features works from 62 artists representing various countries, showcasing a wide spectrum of visual expressions that embody the festival’s overarching theme of cultural coexistence and dialogue.

Over the next three days, the festival will host academic panels, literary critique sessions, poetry readings, and intellectual debates, culminating on November 7 with the presentation of the annual Galawezh Literary Awards.