This year marks the 242nd anniversary of the founding of Slemani, a city celebrated for its rich history, vibrant culture, intellectual heritage, and breathtaking landscapes. Today, Slemani’s founding anniversary celebrations enter a central phase as citizens gather in Bardarki Sara for three days of programming, building on a monthlong slate of cultural, artistic, scientific, economic, and environmental events across the city.
The city was officially established on November 14, 1784 by Ibrahim Pasha Baban, who moved the capital of the Baban Emirate from Qalachwalan to this new strategic and fertile location. Slemani was named in honor of Ibrahim Pasha’s father, Sulaiman Pasha, reflecting the deep familial and dynastic pride of the Baban rulers.
From its earliest days, Slemani quickly grew into a center of learning, poetry, and political thought, becoming home to many of Kurdistan’s most influential writers, intellectuals, and cultural figures. Over the centuries, the city has played a vital role in shaping modern Kurdish identity—serving as a hub for literature, education, journalism, and progressive social movements.
Today, Slemani is widely known as the cultural capital of Kurdistan and a UNESCO Creative City of Literature. Slemani continues to blend tradition with modernity, carrying forward the legacy envisioned by the Baban dynasty more than two centuries ago.
Today’s Highlights Across Slemani
- Bardarki Sara and Slemani Heights: Events at Bardarki Sara run daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM over three days. Slemani Heights is hosting exhibitions covering books, photography, food, traditional Kurdish clothing, and well-known brands, capped by an evening concert by Paywand Jaff.
- Music, Heritage, and Architecture: Majidi Mall is hosting scheduled activities and a concert by Luqman Salim. Meanwhile, Slemani’s history is being recounted at Hawsharyan Cultural House in the Old Shekhan neighborhood, and Vertex Engineering Office is holding a workshop on Kurdish architecture with Dr. Kawa Dastoora.
- Youth and Cinema: Hiwa Foundation is launching a new season of its children’s program at Azad Shawqi Gallery with participants drawing a map of Slemani’s future, while Yilmaz Guney Cinema at Amna Suraka is screening Italian Film Week.
At the outset of the day’s activities marking this milestone day, Slemani Governor Dr. Haval Abubakr took part in Rudaw TV’s special coverage of the city’s founding anniversary, during which he spoke about Slemani’s past, history, and present—a city that, like the sun, draws its energy and warmth to endure from within itself.
He also attended the 242nd anniversary celebration of the founding of Slemani, held at Bardarki Sara with the support of Kurdsat Media Corporation, featuring a variety of cultural and artistic activities.
Afterwards, he attended an event at Jamal Abdul Basic School, where a range of activities had been prepared to mark the occasion. He also took part in several special programs prepared by various media outlets for the day.
Upcoming Schedule Through November 22
- November 15: A school tree-planting campaign, “Kori Goizha” at Nishtiman Institute, a University of Slemani symposium on addiction treatment and protection, and artistic performances by more than 60 educational institutions at Family Mall.
- November 16: Screening of director Ata Osman’s documentary film Slemani and Sydney at Cinema Salim.
- November 17–19 & November 18: Slemani hosts the Fourth International Cancer Symposium from November 17 to 19, alongside the Baban City Festival on November 18.
- November 21–22: The Youth Peace Forum takes place on November 21, followed on November 22 by the Cooperation and Investment Forum of the Slemani Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
