As part of a delegation trip to Erbil (Kurdistan-Iraq), a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Anhalt University of Applied Sciences and Tishk International University (TIU).
Mr. Huner Khalil, M. Eng. (Practical Assistant in the field of Applied Geodesy) represented Anhalt University of Applied Sciences at the signing ceremony on April 14, 2025. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jens Hartmann (Professor of Applied Geodesy), Mr. Khalil and Ms. Annemarie Reimann (LfbA Monument Preservation Management) as well as Dr.-Ing. Gunnar Schulz-Lehnfeld (Professor of Monument Preservation and Building in Existing Contexts at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences from winter semester 2025/26) attended the signing ceremony online.
Tishk International University was represented by a high-ranking delegation, including Prof. Dr. Sultan T. Abu-Orabi (President of TIU), Asst. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ozdemir (Academic Vice President) and Dr. Jwan J. Mohammedshareef (Dean of the Faculty of Engineering). Ms. Shino Abdulla (Head of the Department of Architectural Engineering) and Mr. Shallaw Hamza (MoU Coordinator) were also present.
The aim of the agreement is to create a basis for a long-term partnership to promote academic exchange and joint research activities. Furthermore, cooperation in teaching in the fields of Surveying and Geoinformatics, as well as Architecture and, in particular, Monument Preservation Management is to be expanded. Central components of the cooperation include the exchange of students and lecturers, the development of joint teaching formats and the implementation of research projects for the digital recording of historical buildings (close-range photogrammetry and laser scanning).
Tishk International University was founded in 2008 and is now one of the leading private universities in northern Iraq. With its strong international profile, practice-oriented courses and focus on applied research, it offers excellent prerequisites for the new partnership.
The cooperation is a further building block in Anhalt University's internationalization strategy and strengthens academic cooperation with the Middle East. It opens up new opportunities for students and researchers at both universities for international knowledge transfer, professional exchange and joint educational projects. Many thanks also go to the International Office of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, in particular Ms. Anne Beer, who provides valuable support here.
