Khanna Omarkhali, Professor of Iranian Studies and Kurdish Studies at Freie Universität Berlin, has been named by Der Tagesspiegel as one of the "100 Most Important Minds in Berlin Science 2025."

This prestigious annual award honors visionary researchers who shape the scientific landscape of the Berlin-Brandenburg region. Professor Omarkhali was selected for her groundbreaking contributions to the study of religious minorities, particularly Yezidism, and to the field of Kurdish Studies. Her research is part of the academic school of the Institute of Iranian Studies at Freie Universität Berlin, a recognized center for the study of religious minorities in the Iranian-speaking region.

In its series, Der Tagesspiegel portrays Khanna Omarkhali as a scholar who engages with fundamental questions of rights and justice and who is concerned about "free science."

On the occasion of her recognition, Der Tagesspiegel writes: "She is considered one of the leading scholars in the field of Kurdology. This year, her work was honored withthe Jemal Nebez Prize 2025 this year. 'Her tireless commitment to the Yezidi tradition has strengthened the voices of the Yezidis and their resilience in the midst of persecution and genocide,' as stated in the jury's reasoning."

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Khanna Omarkhali on this outstanding and well-deserved recognition!

You can find the full article (in German) on the Tagesspiegel website here.