Halabja Fine Arts Institute opens music department after 20 years

HALABJA — The Halabja Institute of Fine Arts has opened a music department 20 years after the institute was established, with enrollment beginning for the 2026-27 academic year.

Ibrahim Ramazan, director of the Halabja Institute of Fine Arts, told 964media that the institute had sought to establish the department for years but lacked specialized teachers.

“We have been requesting for several years that this department be opened at our institute, but because of the lack of specialized teachers, our request could not be fulfilled,” Ramazan said.

He said a music department should have been established in Halabja from the outset because the city has a culture of literature and art.

The institute, established in 2006, previously had theater and visual arts departments. Music is now its third department.

Ramazan said Halabja Gov. Nukhsha Nasih supported the effort and the Halabja education directorate provided specialized teachers. “We will adapt according to our own capabilities,” he said.

The department can initially admit up to 10 students because each music student needs a dedicated space for practice, Ramazan said.

He said applicants will be assessed on their abilities and aptitude for the department. The institute will also work within its existing space to provide a suitable environment for students, he added.