Nashville, TN — July 23, 2025
The Kurdistani Diaspora Center of Nashville celebrated a historic milestone this weekend by hosting its first-ever Kurdish Class Certificate Ceremony—a joyful tribute to cultural preservation, community effort, and the enduring spirit of the Kurdish people.
Nashville, home to the largest Kurdish community in the United States, has long aspired to offer Kurdish language education to its youth. On Sunday, that aspiration became reality as the community came together to honor the students who successfully completed the Center’s inaugural Kurdish language course—a program a year in the making.
Founded in September 2023, the Kurdistani Diaspora Center was established to preserve Kurdish identity and strengthen ties between Kurdish Americans and their homeland. One of its earliest priorities was to provide Kurdish language instruction to younger generations—and this weekend’s ceremony marked the fulfillment of that goal.
Held in the heart of Nashville, the event was hosted by the Center’s Vice President Ipek Khalid Ismael and board member Sipal Ibrahim, both of whom led the year-long effort to bring the course to life. The program began with a warm welcome and introductions, setting the stage for an uplifting day of celebration.
Special guest Mr. Kurd, Head of the International Communications Office at the Kurdistani Diaspora Confederation, traveled from Washington, D.C., to address the gathering. In his remarks, he congratulated students and families, emphasizing the critical role language plays in preserving culture and bridging generations.
Nazar Sharanshi, President of the Kurdistani Diaspora Center, also took the stage to thank the students, parents, and community members for their commitment and support.
Adding an educational dimension to the event, board member Mustafa Rahnama delivered an engaging presentation on the geography of Kurdistan, offering insight into the region’s diverse areas and demographics—helping students deepen their connection to their heritage.
A highlight of the event was a video message from Alan Hama Saeed Salih, Minister of Education in the Kurdistan Region. He praised the students’ achievements and commended families for their role in sustaining Kurdish education abroad.
Certificates were then presented to each student in recognition of their dedication and successful course completion. The ceremony concluded with a commemorative group photo and a vibrant community celebration, attended by more than 60 families.
The Kurdistani Diaspora Center extended heartfelt thanks to the Kurdistan Board of Education for providing the curriculum and educational materials that made the course possible.
With the success of this inaugural program, the Center plans to expand offerings in the coming year, including in-person classes to meet the growing demand within the Nashville Kurdish community. More than a certificate ceremony, the event marked a renewed cultural legacy for Kurdish Americans in Tennessee and beyond.