Chief Editor’s speech letter

Mustafa Nawzad

-First and foremost.

- What are the objectives and basis of establishing this magazine?

-Why do we write in the sweet Kurdish language when the majority of engineering writings and studies are in English? At a time when I could say that 99% of engineering researchers publish their research in English and don’t translate it to Kurdish?

-Why was the name "Khan" chosen at a time when we have many other names in the Kurdish language that could have served the magazine just as well?

You must be aware that Khan Magazine is a new publication in the Kurdish community focused on the development of engineering ideas and the preservation of cultural identity.

It also aims to influence the country as a whole and the city specifically through the application of engineering principles. This magazine functions as a "khan," gathering the voices of all writers and researchers who aim to serve the community. Thus, one of the main objectives of this publication is to serve as a bridge for engineering students transitioning from the university environment to the professional workplace, challenging the notion that "Engineering doesn't require reading; it only involves execution."Moreover, focusing on critical engineering topics, particularly architectural engineering, can greatly aid in addressing important questions and engineering projects that are currently overlooked in our community.

In our inaugural issue, we will delve into a critical topic to unravel unanswered questions and identify pressing urban challenges faced by cities. Additionally, we aim to address emerging architectural and urban issues in Kurdistan, aiming to foster a healthier society and community. Furthermore, it serves as an encouragement for Kurdish university students, particularly those in engineering departments, to actively participate in the discourse of this field, which may eventually become a historical document in the Kurdish library of knowledge. Moreover, numerous topics and issues will be presented to the readers, and solutions will be collaboratively explored by both readers and writers alike.

As you may observe, Kurdish language libraries are not only lacking in storage of engineering materials, especially in architecture, but also the number of engineering resources available can be counted on fingers.Writing is an immortal history that serves generations by enhancing individuals' understanding and knowledge of their nation and community, all through the lens of architecture. Kurdish history lacks comprehensive documentation on architectural topics, contributing to the erosion of its cultural identity and challenges in preserving Kurdish architectural heritage. Despite living in a country rich with historical sites at every turn, much of this legacy remains obscured and neglected……… A history covered in dust! A history waiting beneath the dust for the cover to be lifted—a history sadly overlooked amidst ongoing conflicts or negligence towards our cultural heritage! As the staff of Khan Magazine, we will strive to rebuild our nation's history using the sweet Kurdish language. In the upcoming volumes, it will become clear what I mean by "rebuilding history."

Khan Magazine aims to encourage engineering researchers to publish their work in the Kurdish language. Many master's students, doctors, and professors in Kurdistan's universities have avoided this due to the scarcity of readers or other reasons, resulting in limited access to these valuable researches. Even if readers attain such inquiries, they might struggle to benefit from them due to a lack of fluency in English among these readers.

Regarding the name of our magazine: the word "khan" is a regional term that can have different meanings in various regions, even within the same country.The reason for choosing this name stems from a historical examination of the Kurdish nation."Khan" was a place where travelers, who came from long distances both within and outside the country, settled, communicated, and exchanged ideas and perspectives as they stayed in Kurdish cities.That is why this magazine functions like a "khan," bringing together the voices of writers, researchers, and engineers from within and outside the country under one umbrella, all dedicated to serving the Kurdish community.

For the central theme of the first volume of Khan Magazine, we have endeavored to present a series of questions and topics for readers, that address community issues and aim to highlight potential solutions.We have designed the theme in a way to serve as a documented draft for the readers.For example, analyzing the evolution of house forms, particularly in the ancient citadel of Erbil, sheds light on layers of history buried under dust. This topic is central to our magazine's objectives and serves as a primary focus.One of the most widespread issues facing the modern world, affecting numerous countries and leading to depression and an unhealthy environment, is the need to provide individuals in the community with a fulfilling, relaxing, and healthy environment.Therefore, one of the topics in this volume is “Building a Healthy Environment ."You witness architectural works all around the world that are challenging and fraught with issues.Undoubtedly, like other countries, the Kurdistan region also faces architectural issues. In its streets, there is a sense of disorientation stemming from a misunderstanding of architecture within the community. This misunderstanding often results from individuals' and engineers’s limited knowledgeable reading about  their own profession.It has reached a point where there is no differentiation between the architectural form of a house and a building, despite their distinct functions and requirements!This is an important topic that requires awareness to prevent the situation from escalating further.Often, we encounter situations where an old, uninhabited building may appear more attractive to passersby than a newly finished building. Why do some of our buildings lack the charm they once had?Why do modern buildings fail to evoke the same contemplation as those from older times?Isn't architecture a process rooted in thoughtful design?For these questions, we introduce an important topic to our readers: "From Architecture to Structure." Dear readers, today's world is vastly different from the world our grandparents used to talk about. It is a new era characterized by new technologies and understandings that have reshaped today’s world.Architecture is one of those professions that have a direct and profound relationship with modern technology.In Kurdistan, numerous new projects are emerging, potentially leading to a future where buildings are at the forefront of technological advancement. These projects rely on algorithms and computer programs that manipulate equations to achieve the new objectives of stunning designs.In this volume of the magazine, we have prepared a crucial topic titled "Parametricism Design" to explain that architecture is not merely about row of walls.Also, architecture in many parts of the world transcends conventional boundaries….. These and many other topics will be explored in the upcoming pages of the magazine for our readers.

Architecture shapes society's sophistication and creates a lasting history for communities, where individual ideas can endure for centuries or even millennia. This magazine aims to be a catalyst for significant development, serving our land and nation by fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of architecture. Our goal is to contribute to the reconstruction of an architecture that befits our nation's heritage and aspirations.