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Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood

Human interest story: Dali Ali Dili

Before I came to Erbil, I was studying psychology at Damascus University. My dream was to become a counsellor. When the war started, I had to leave everything behind.

In Erbil, I found a job opportunity at the Citadel. I have been working here since 2013, in an effort to support my family and build a new life.

Working at the Citadel has changed me. I've taken on a leadership role. Ensuring that everyone does their job right is a new responsibility I've happily embraced.

Dali Ali Dili

Project name: T04.185 - Support to livelihoods through cultural heritage development 

Implementing Partner: UNESCO

Sector: Livelihoods

 

Short bio

Dali Ali Dili, aged 36, is a Syrian refugee who joined the project in June 2023 as a skilled laborer and work monitor. He has not only contributed to the project but has also actively worked on enhancing his skills and forming valuable new relationships during his tenure.

Dali’s transition from Syria to Iraq

In the lively city of Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Dali Ali sits amidst the ancient stones of the Erbil Citadel. Dali has been calling Erbil home since 2012, finding peace from the chaos of his war-torn homeland, Syria. As a former psychology student at the Damascus University, Dali's dreams of becoming a counsellor remained unfulfilled due to the harsh realities of the conflict. 

A journey into the unknown 

His transition to Erbil was a journey into the unknown. “Arriving in Erbil felt like a dream, but the thought of losing it is upsetting,” he recalls, having successfully navigated the challenges of adapting to a new society and new responsibilities. In Syria, Dali had the support of his family, but living on his own in Erbil demanded self-reliance. “I had to manage everything by myself,” he reflects, describing the initial struggle of building a new life. 

A new sense of belonging

With support from the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis (EUTF Syria, Madad), which funded the project “Support to Livelihoods Through Cultural Heritage Development,” Dali found employment at the Erbil Citadel, where he played a key role in restoring ancient structures. “In this environment, I’ve discovered new aspects of myself,” he reflects, embracing both his responsibilities as a supervisor and the opportunity to provide for his family.

For Dali, the Citadel is much more than just a workplace. “I’ve built new friendships and connections, including with my colleagues,” he shares, highlighting the profound impact his daily work has on his sense of belonging. “It’s one of the things that keeps me going,” he concludes.