‘Nature’s representatives’: city project aims to revive swallow population in Sulaymaniyah

SULAYMANIYAH – A new initiative in Sulaymaniyah is installing swallow nests on concrete buildings, starting with schools, to help boost the bird population in the city.

Years of urbanization and the replacement of traditional mud-brick houses with concrete structures have led to a decline in the local swallow population, prompting local efforts to restore their presence. The project, which blends art, architecture, environmental awareness, and education, is designed to address the loss of natural nesting sites.

Halgurd Ahmed, the project’s creator, told 964media that “in the first phase, we are building shelters, and nests for swallows on concrete facades.” He explained that modern concrete buildings leave little room for swallows and other birds to nest—a stark contrast to traditional mud houses, where bird nests were a common sight.

The nests, conceived as “artistic elements,” aim to capture public attention while serving as functional habitats for the birds. “This way, people will develop appreciation of nature,” Ahmed said. He added, “The number of swallows in the city is decreasing, and we want to create space for them to live alongside us.”

Swallows have long coexisted with humans, nesting in areas where people live. However, the shift to modern construction has weakened this bond. “Swallows are nature’s representatives in urban life,” Ahmed said. “If they disappear from the city, it means there is a problem in our understanding of nature.”

Ahmed has already installed several nests for swallows and pigeons at his home. His next step is to construct similar nests at a local school near his former neighborhood: “The goal is to influence students and spread the message through education.”

Urbanization ruined the countryside

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