Kurdish Institute of Brussels
# Kurdish Institute of Brussels

The Kurdish Institute of Brussels (Kurdish: Enstîtuya Kurdî Ya Brukselê) is a non-profit organization, based in Brussels, Belgium, which aims for the integration of the Kurds and other minorities into the Belgian society, as well as to promote the Kurdish culture both in and out of Kurdistan.

## History

The Institute started out as the organization 'Têkoser', which was founded by a group of Belgian Kurds in 1978. Their main goal at the time was the integration of the Kurdish community in the Belgian society.

In 1989, the name of the organisation was changed to 'Kurdish Institute of Brussels', which has remained as such ever since. Since the establishment of the Kurdish Institute of Brussels, the organization has expanded its goals, beginning with a project in 1990 subsidized by the Flemish Ministry of Culture, called 'Host Country, My Home Country', in which socio-cultural trainings were provided. In 1998, the organization secured subsidies of the Flemish Ministry of Culture with as goal promoting further integration of the Kurdish community (as well as other minority groups) in Belgium, and the spreading of knowledge of Kurdish culture, history and language.

From 2004 on, the Institute's mission was expanded to include both its original goals and new goals, namely, securing the rights of linguistic, ethnic and religious minorities in Turkey, the Middle East and the Caucasus. In light of these new goals, the Institute founded a Kurdish Cultural Center in Tbilisi, Georgia. In March 2006, the Turkish Grey Wolves attacked the Kurdish Institute In Brussels just days after the parents of the Institutes chairman were murdered in Turkey.

## Activities

* Publication of The Kurds, a bi-monthly periodical in Dutch.
* Provision of social services for immigrants.
* Maintenance of the Institute's library, which contains publications, articles and books about the Kurds and the rest of the Middle East.
* Summer projects for children.
* Translation services.
* Language courses: French and Kurdish.
* Cultural programme: exhibitions, Kurdish films and plays, concerts, etc.
* Research, information and sensitization activities.

## Organization

The head of the Institute is Derwich Ferho, one of the original founders of the organization.

Next to the Flemish Ministry of Culture, the Institute is also recognized by the Walloon Ministry of culture; the service of Peoples Development in Flanders; Permanent Education in Wallonia; and the region of Brussels.

The Institute also frequently collaborates with universities and high schools, peace and human rights organizations, and other cultural organizations.

On 22 June 2012, the Institute, along with Senator Karel Vanlouwe, organized a conference at the Belgian Senate concerning the Kirkuk and the progression of Article 140, which was attended by a multitude of Kurdish leaders.

