Under the Same Sky: Kurdish and Syrian Borderlands

About the Event

Join us for an open-format evening exploring everyday life, coexistence, and conflict in the Turkey–Syria borderlands and different Kurdish regions, like Rojava (Syrian/western Kurdistan) and Rojhelat (Iranian/eastern Kurdistan).

Bringing together literature, documentary film, and discussion, the programme is organised into three connected parts: 1) a book launch, 2) a film screening, and 3) a panel conversation. Each offers a different perspective on the region, from lived experience to academic research and visual storytelling.

You are welcome to attend the full programme or join individual parts throughout the evening.

Programme

16:00 – 17:00 | Book Launch: Under the Same Sky

Seçil Daǧtaș presents her ethnography on everyday coexistence among Arab ‘Alawis, Christians, Jews, and Sunni Muslims near the Turkey–Syria border. The book explores how difference is negotiated through shared spaces, relationships, and daily practices.

Moderated by Rafael Medeiros (PhD candidate, University of Groningen) and Prof. Karène Sanchez-Summerer (Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, University of Groningen). Includes audience Q&A.

17:00 – 17:30 | Break with Snacks & Music

17:30 – 18:50 | Film Screening: Touching Freedom

This documentary follows Kurdish students in Kobani as they document resistance during the rise of ISIS, before being forced to flee as refugees.

19:00 – 20:00 | After-talk

This panel brings together researchers, activists, and cultural voices to reflect on the film and discuss the current humanitarian, political, and everyday realities in different Kurdish regions.

Panelists include:

• Dr. Soran Mansournia (University of Groningen; Hiwa Life Foundation)
• Pieter Verstraete (University of Groningen)
• Alla Khuseyn (Rok Magazine, Rojava)

The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A.

20:00 – 21:00 | Fundraising & Informal Gathering

Stay for an informal closing with snacks, goodies, music and the opportunity to support Hiwa, a trusted initiative, that works with communities affected by conflict and displacement, focusing on the eastern Kurdish region (Rojhelat). Read more on www.hiwa.life.

This evening connects academic insight, film, and lived perspectives to explore how people navigate coexistence and conflict in border regions. Alongside discussion and reflection, it also creates space for fundraising.

Practical Information

• Open to students, staff, and the wider public
• Walk in at any moment throughout the evening / Free entry (donations encouraged)
• No registration required
• Language: English