Ranya’s cultural and arts hall. (Photo: Raparin Directorate of Culture and Arts)
Raparin Independent Administration
‘Dream of Raparin’s intellectuals and artists’: Ranya’s new cultural hall set to open
RANYA — The construction of Ranya’s new cultural and arts hall is set to open to the public in two weeks.
“This is the first hall of its kind in the Raparin area,” said Hiwa Mustafa, head of the Raparin Directorate of Culture and Arts, speaking to 964media. Ranya is administratively part of Sulaymaniyah’s Raparin Independent Administration.
Construction of the hall began in 2018, but work was halted in 2020 due to financial issues in the Kurdistan Region. It resumed in last year, with the project now nearly completed.
The Kurdistan Region has faced ongoing financial challenges due to budget disputes with the federal government in Baghdad, heavy reliance on oil revenue, and global oil price fluctuations. Disputes with Baghdad have periodically led to delays or cuts in federal budget transfers.
The hall, which can accommodate up to 480 people, features advanced lighting and sound systems, operated by a technical staff of six.
Organizers are also planning to install a cinema projector, which has received initial approval, though a timeline for its implementation has not been set.
“This hall has long been the dream of Raparin’s intellectuals and artists,” Mustafa added.
Located on Raparin Street in Ranya city, the venue will host poetry readings, literary sessions, music festivals, and theater performances.