Kurdish actor Ayam Akram receives a recognition award from the Kurdistan Syndicate of Artists in Erbil, December 8, 2025. (Photo: the Erbil governorate)
Erbil artists syndicate honors veteran comedian Ayam Akram ‘Shamo’
ERBIL — The Kurdistan Syndicate of Artists’ Erbil branch on Monday honored veteran Kurdish actor Ayam Akram, known by his stage name “Shamo,” with a recognition award at a ceremony attended by local officials.
In a statement, the Erbil governorate said the prize was presented during a formal event acknowledging Akram’s contributions to Kurdish theater and television drama.
Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw praised Akram’s long-standing impact on the arts, describing his body of work as a significant service to the city’s cultural life.
Akram, born in 1964 in Erbil’s Khanaqa neighborhood, is best known for his comedic roles. He began his artistic career in the 1980s and graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts in Mosul in 1988 with a specialization in theater. Over the decades, he has appeared in numerous film, stage and television productions.
