ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) has established China's first Kurdish language department, making Kurdish one of 101 language programs offered at the institution.
"Our department is the first Kurdish language bachelor’s program in China... at the most renowned university in China for foreign studies," Kurdish language teacher Shirin told Rudaw’s Mahdi Faraji.
“In its first semester, it has 11 students who, over four years, will study Kurdish language, culture, geography, and history,” Shirin said, hoping that the students “will become a bridge between China and the Kurdistan Region."
Established in 1941, BFSU regularly updates its curriculum based on geopolitical shifts, trade partnerships, and international initiatives. Since 2017, the university has added 17 new language departments - an average of two to three languages each year.
"It is a great honor for me to be the first Kurdish language teacher at Beijing Foreign Studies University," said Ziad Faraj, an instructor in the department. "Our students are very intelligent and learn Kurdish with great enthusiasm. In less than two weeks, they have made remarkable progress."
“Education and training come first in Chinese culture,” Faraj noted, observing that the students have dedicated considerable effort to their coursework.
Newroz, one of the students enrolled in the program, shared her enthusiasm for the new program, stating that “Kurdish is a very rich and beautiful language. I want to learn it well, and I hope to visit Kurdistan one day.”
“This new department is a wonderful opportunity for us. Our classes are very enjoyable,” said Zhila, another student in the program. “I want to learn about Kurdish culture through the Kurdish language.”
Economic ties between China and the Kurdistan Region continue to expand. According to the Chinese Consul General in Erbil, annual trade volume between China and the Kurdistan Region exceeded $5 billion in March 2025.
