Iraq – Baghdad, August 24, 2025

Baghdad witnessed a landmark cultural event with the inauguration of the Arab-Kurdish Cultural Center, attended by leading intellectuals, civil society representatives, and institutions. The opening took place under the vision of the President of the Republic to strengthen bridges of communication and understanding between Arabs and Kurds. Sardar Group and Toyota Iraq were represented at the event by Ms. Shian Khoshnaw, Deputy General Manager for Administrative Affairs, on behalf of Mr. Sardar Al-Bebany.

The participation of Sardar Group reflects its commitment to social responsibility and community support. As part of this initiative, Toyota Iraq provided an eco-friendly Toyota vehicle to support the center’s logistical needs, reaffirming its dedication to enabling cultural and social activities and contributing to the success of the center’s programs.

The event carried a profound message about the power of culture to foster national unity and reinforce social cohesion among Iraq’s diverse communities. The presence of Arab, Kurdish, and other Iraqi cultural figures underscored the belief that cultural and social ties form a lasting bridge for dialogue and mutual understanding. This initiative showcased the ability of cultural engagement to safeguard Iraq’s social fabric and strengthen a shared national identity.

This milestone further emphasizes Sardar Group and Toyota Iraq’s commitment to cultural and national values, contributing meaningfully to building a cohesive and interconnected society. Their involvement in this historic occasion reflects a vision of promoting culture as a tool for social development and serves as an open invitation to partners to engage in future initiatives that uplift communities and establish sustainable bridges across Iraq’s social fabric.

The restoration of Beit Al-Shawi, which now houses the Arab-Kurdish Cultural Center, was carried out under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr. AbdulLatif, and supervised by the Directorate of Engineering and Presidential Sites. Restoration began on February 15, 2024, and was completed on July 15, 2024.

Originally built between 1917–1920 by Mr. AbdulMajid Al-Shawi, the building has now been repurposed as a cultural landmark with the support of the Federal Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Culture of the Kurdistan Region.