Zaytun Library reopens after major renovation supported by South Korea

Zaytun Library reopens after major renovation supported by South Korea

Erbil’s Public Library, widely known as Zaytun Library, reopened on Monday following a comprehensive renovation program funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The South Korean development agency announced the reopening on Tuesday, highlighting the project as a continuation of its long-term partnership with the Kurdistan Region.

In its statement, KOICA expressed pride in contributing to the educational development of the Region, describing the refurbished library as a symbol of the strong and enduring friendship between South Korea and the Kurdistan Region. The renovation is the latest milestone in a relationship that began after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and was formally established in 2004.

Korean officials emphasize cultural and educational partnership

Erbil Governor Omed Xoshnaw praised KOICA and South Korean diplomatic missions for revitalizing a space he described as an important cultural and intellectual landmark for the city. KOICA’s resident representative, Junyoung Jong, told Rudaw that the library has long represented close cooperation between Korea and the Kurdistan Region.

“When the KRG informed us about their renovation plans, we were eager to participate,” Jong said, adding that he hopes the library will continue to serve future generations for decades to come.

South Korea’s Ambassador Lee Jun-il highlighted the library’s role as a cultural link between the Korean and Kurdish people. He noted that it currently houses the only Korean cultural center in the Kurdistan Region and said more Korean-language books and cultural materials will soon be provided.

Library upgraded with modern facilities and infrastructure

Zaytun Library is located inside Sami Abdulrahman Park and was originally constructed by South Korea’s Zaytun military division between 2005 and 2008 on a 4,000-square-meter site. It last underwent minor renovation in 2022 under the supervision of the Erbil Governorate. The library now contains more than 300,000 books in Kurdish and foreign languages, in addition to newspapers and magazines.

The most recent renovation addressed a wide range of technical challenges. Ali Ahmed, project manager for GEG Construction—the company that carried out the work—explained that problems related to electricity, water systems, sewage, and moisture had all been resolved in coordination with KOICA.

Modernization improves accessibility and digital capacity

Library Director Naz Falakadin said the upgrade was designed to modernize the facility and make it more accessible to visitors. Key changes include the installation of an elevator for individuals with limited mobility and the addition of solar power to provide the consistent electricity needed for book digitization and daily operations.

South Korea’s long-standing contribution to Kurdistan’s development

Following the fall of the Baath regime in 2003, thousands of personnel from South Korea’s Zaytun Division were deployed to the Kurdistan Region between 2004 and 2008 to assist with reconstruction and development. Their work focused heavily on education, healthcare, and institutional capacity building.

Although the division is no longer active, the Zaytun mission and KOICA played a central role in completing more than 250 projects across the Region. These included 59 schools, 15 public health centers, the Zaytun Hospital, the library itself, the Kurdistan Institute of Public Administration (KIPA), and the establishment of an e-procurement system. South Korea also provided humanitarian support for refugees and trained around 1,500 KRG officials in Korea, along with over $60 million in in-kind assistance.