Kurdistan Regional Government Opens Artistically and Culturally Significant Headquarters in Dupont Circle
While we’re all aware that Washington, DC is the home of Embassies from just about every country imaginable that has representation in the United States, not every overseas entity with a home in the District is an Embassy. In September 2009, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) opened their headquarters in a restored historic brownstone in Dupont Circle.
KRG HQ Mosaic
For those unfamiliar with the area, the Kurdistan region of Iraq comprises the governates of Dohuk, Erbil, and Suleimaniah in northern Iraq – an area about the size of South Carolina. Other facts, of which many may not be aware, are that this area has a democratically elected multicultural government, laws that are considered the most progressive in the region in terms of women’s rights, media freedom, investment, and civil liberties, and it is an area of contrast in incredible historic content as well as modern sensibilities and accomplishment. Iraqi Kurdistan is also an emerging tourist destination with two airports receiving visitors to its breathtaking mountains with natural springs and winter snowfall and warm, dry flatlands. It is also a place of great struggle, most recently the Anfal campaign-genocide at the hands of Saddam Hussein in the late 80s.
The KRG headquarters in DC houses not only the region’s US representation and their offices, but also acts as a home for entertaining and events, and features a vast array of artwork by some of Kurdistan’s major artistic talent.
Qubad Talabani, Kurdistan Regional Government’s Representative to the U.S., with his wife, Sherri
The original building, originally designed by Victorian era architect Thomas Franklin Schneider, who also created the Cairo apartment building and many others throughout the city from Capitol Hill to Dupont Circle, is part of the 16th Street Historic District, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The interior design is elegant and lush with artisan moldings, chandelier medallions, and other accoutrements specially made to match the original interior design. Opulent mantled and tiled fireplaces dot the interior amidst the rich damasks and warm wood period furniture. An elegant and sumptuously furnished drawing room, parlor, kitchen, library, and small living area are among a few of the building’s current features. At the top of traditional finialed staircases, the building is crowned with a skylight, which is now the proud home of a flag of the region—allowing the warm light to shine through, creating a rainbow of its colors of red, green, gold, and white.
Among the most notable treasures of the KRG headquarters are nearly 20 pieces of original painted artwork, which take their framed places along with sculpture, icons, and some original artwork painted directly onto the structure’s storied walls. The artwork runs the gamut from brilliantly colored to somberly dark—each painting with its own personality, each with a story to tell – the juxtaposition between great mirth and terrible suffering, much as the history of the region if its origin.
Stateroom Fireplace
At one time, oppression caused many of the Kurdish artists to go into exile. Now back in their homeland, they tell stories of the past and of their culture in what is now one of the area’s most progressive societies. One such example is a radiantly colored work which hangs in the building’s striking drawing room. At closer observation, this captivating painting tells a story not only of great beauty but also of agonizing struggle—illustrated by a beautiful woman with crestfallen characters intertwined in flowing hair. At the pinnacle of one of the staircases are a set of antique door-knockers – one female, the other male. The sound emitted from each of these two differently shaped pieces of useable art indicate to the dweller which gender visitor is at the door – as a female occupant would not be permitted to answer a male’s knock.
With its architecture, examples of arts and culture, and grand design, the new KRG Headquarters is poised to take its place among its local embassy brethren in being a place of civilization, folklore, antiquity, and education in support of its people and to the general population.
