Dr. David Romano, the Strong Chair in Middle East Studies, invites you to an hour of Kurdish music with Najat Abdullah followed by Q & A about Kurdistan and cultural diplomacy. Join us on Friday, September 22, from 5:00—6:30 pm in Craig Hall’s Coger Theater. Admission is free and open to the public.

Najat Abdullah is a Director of Culture & Humanitarian Affairs at the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Mission in Washington, DC. Mr. Abdullah coordinates all cultural outreach and engagement with the Kurdish-American community, including art exhibitions, holiday celebrations, and cultural days.

A professional traditional oud player by training, Mr. Abdullah completed his training at the Sulaimani Institute of Fine Arts and has played with numerous traditional Kurdish folk music ensembles, including the renowned Sulaimani Folk Group, as well as the Sulaimani Institute Symphony Orchestra. He is a longtime, active member of the Kurdistan Organization for the Arts. Mr. Abdullah also President for Kurdish Relief Fund, helping Refugees and IDPs in Kurdistan, Iraq. He is fluent in Kurdish, Farsi, and Arabic.

To hear a sample of Mr. Abdullah’s art, you can listen here – KSMU interview.