Historic National Architecture Competition

On December 3, 2025, Tishk International University proudly hosted the Majaz Awards Distribution Ceremony at its main campus in Erbil. Majaz represents the first cycle of a national competition dedicated to showcasing exceptional architecture graduation projects from universities across Iraq. Tishk International University served as the main partner, with the Faculty of Engineering, including both the Architecture Department and the Interior Design Engineering Department, providing comprehensive academic and organizational support.

Nationwide Participation and Academic Engagement

This groundbreaking competition attracted significant national attention, with 100 graduating students submitting projects from leading Iraqi universities:

Participating Institutions:

  • University of Baghdad

  • University of Technology – Baghdad

  • Koya University

  • Wasit University

  • University of Basrah

  • University of Mosul

  • University of Duhok

  • University of Babylon

  • Al-Nahrain University

  • University of Diyala

Professional Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange

The event featured a dedicated discussion panel addressing key themes relevant to architectural education and practice in Iraq:

Panel Discussion Focus:

  • Architectural education methodologies and innovations

  • Design practice developments within the Iraqi context

  • Professional development pathways for emerging architects

  • Constructive knowledge sharing among students, academics, and practitioners

  • Platform creation for meaningful professional dialogue

Awards Structure and Recognition

The competition recognized exceptional architectural work through a structured awards system:

Monetary Awards:

  • 1st Place: 3,000,000 IQD

  • 2nd Place: 2,000,000 IQD

  • 3rd Place: 1,000,000 IQD

Additional Recognition:

  • Seven projects received Honorable Mentions

  • Eight projects were officially shortlisted

  • All recognized students and supervisors received commemorative plaques and certificates

  • Appreciation acknowledgments for contributions to architectural education

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

This initiative directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) through multiple pathways:

Educational Quality Enhancement:

  • National platform provision for graduating architecture students

  • Expert feedback opportunities from experienced professionals

  • High-level academic competition fostering excellence

  • Equal opportunity promotion across Iraqi higher education institutions

  • Creativity and innovation encouragement within architectural education

Institutional Commitment and Impact

The Majaz competition strengthens several important educational and professional dimensions:

Competition Impact Areas:

  • Academic excellence reinforcement through competitive recognition

  • Talent development fostering among emerging architects

  • TIU’s commitment demonstration to supporting quality education

  • Sustainable professional growth encouragement within architecture

  • National architectural community building across institutional boundaries

This historic event established Tishk International University as a leader in promoting architectural education excellence and professional development throughout Iraq, creating meaningful connections between academic institutions while elevating the standards and visibility of Iraqi architectural talent.

Keywords: Majaz Architecture Awards, National Competition, Architectural Education, Sustainable Development Goals, Student Recognition, Iraq Universities, Design Excellence, Academic Partnership