The Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States was pleased to
welcome the talented musical ensemble Aslat Kirkuk during their visit to Washington, D.C.
Through music, the group provided a depth, diverse, and shared cultural heritage of Kirkuk and
the broader Iraq region.
Aslat Kirkuk is composed of young musicians dedicated to preserving the traditional sounds of
their city—one of Iraq’s most historically rich and culturally diverse areas. The team is
distinguished by its mastery of Maqam music and its ability to weave together Kurdish, Arabic,
and Turkmani musical traditions.
Sponsored by the Iraqi Embassy, the Aslat Kirkuk group performed first at the Embassy and later
at “Layla From the Olden Times,” a cultural evening hosted by Golden Voyage Events. The
program highlighted the timeless beauty of Iraqi heritage through music, storytelling, and a
warm artistic setting. Aslat Kirkuk’s live performance offered an evocative musical journey that
brought audiences into the region’s historical and cultural memory. Their work underscored the
shared ties that connect communities across Iraq and showed how traditional music continues to
speak to younger generations.
KRG-US Representation welcomed the group and hosted a luncheon to discuss their work,
cultural initiatives, and their commitment to preserving Kirkuk’s heritage. Representative Treefa
Aziz emphasized the importance of supporting young artists who serve as cultural ambassadors
for the region, noting that music not only preserves history but also strengthens people-to-people
connections.
The Representation remains committed to promoting cultural diplomacy efforts that showcase
the vibrancy, creativity, and rich traditions of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, and looks forward
to future opportunities to elevate the work of emerging cultural groups from across the region.
