Miss Iraq 2017 Vian Sulaimani
I am posting this update on the newly-crowned Miss Iraq 2017 Vian Amer Noori Sulaimani as you might eventually see the lovely 23 year-old Software Engineering graduate represent her country in either Miss World 2017 or the 66th Miss Universe. She may even get to do a double dip by competing in both if the schedules won’t overlap later this year.
Read more about Vian below.
KURDISH BEAUTY, VIAN SULAIMANI, IS THE NEW MISS IRAQ 2017
Miss Iraq 2017 pageant concluded on May 25 with the coronation ceremony which was held at the Babylon Warwick Hotel in Baghdad. Kurdish beauty, VIAN AMER NOORI SULAIMANI, representing the region of Karkh, won the 3rd edition of the national beauty contest edging out 14 other beauties competing for the national beauty title. The event was televised nationally by Nalia Media Corporation (NRT TV) and for the first time women of Arab, Kurdish, Turkmen, Chaldo-Assyrian and Yazidi origin participated together in a major national event.
23 year old Vian hails originally from the city of Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan region of Iraq but currently resides in the federal capital Baghdad where she works as an analyst at an investment/insurance firm. Vian holds a degree in software engineering and speaks fluent English. This is the first time she has ever taken part in any beauty pageant. Deputy Minister of Culture of Iraq, Fawzi Atroshi, who is also supervisor of the contest, remarked on Vian’s victory: “it is her exceptional qualities that made her win… not only is she cultured and well educated but her beauty evokes aristocracy”.
At the same event, 18 year old Masty Hama Adel (Miss Halabja-Hawraman), was declared as Iraq’s Maiden of Beauty or runner-up to Miss Iraq. While Marina Roqan from Damascus, Syria (representing the region of Rusafa) and Sara Abduljabbar (Miss Erbil) were 2nd and 3rd runner-ups respectively. Completing the Top 8 were: Shahad Shaalan (Miss Baghdad Belt), Solin Omer (Miss Chavy Tourism City), Lydya Khallat (Miss Nineveh) and Shynyar Ali (Miss Sulaymaniyah). The Ministry of Culture also specially recognized Miss Nineveh, Lydya Khallat, a Yazidi and exceptionally talented girl from Bashiqa who had to flee with her family in 2014 after ISIS captured her town.
The jury for the national beauty contest was presided by Kurdish poet and Deputy Minister of Culture – Fawzi Atroshi, Designer from Iraqi House of Fashion – Shorouq Khazali, President of Francophone Beauty Association – Dr Nader Saab, Miss Arab Morocco – Ehlam Haji, Iraqi actress – Awatef Naim, Professional coach – Muhannad Shaheed & Media personality – Rafal Abdallah.
The grand finale was formally opened by a speech from Hind Hadithi, representative from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Antiquities, who formally expressed support of the Ministry for the national beauty contest. Girls paraded in casual and formal wear and were interviewed by the esteemed panel of judges. This year Miss Iraq adopted the regional format and girls representing 15 of the 27 regions from across the nation including Iraqi Kurdistan competed for the national beauty title. The initiative is in support of Government of Iraq’s efforts for national reconciliation. The regional auditions for the contest were held last month in the cities of Erbil, Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk and Basra.
The star studded event was graced by dignitaries from foreign embassies and artists/performers such as Roula Saad, Dolly Shahin, Rania Beheiry, Layal Abboud, Hasna Mattar and Ayman Zabib. Local Iraqi bands/music troupes “Ornina” and “Five Baghdad” also played at the event. The new Miss Iraq was crowned by Susan Amer, who represented Iraq in Miss Earth last year, after the former titleholder was relieved off her duties due to failure to fulfill her obligations including participation at the 65th Miss Universe pageant and Miss World 2016.
Vian hopes to represent Iraq internationally with pride at the two major international beauty contests – Miss World and Miss Universe. During her reign, she will be supporting projects and activities of the Ministry of Culture and other non-governmental organizations. The runner-ups will also be given the opportunity to participate in other international beauty contests such as Miss Grand International, Miss Earth, Miss International, Miss Supranational and Miss Asia Pacific. All the aforementioned organizations have previously offered their licenses to Miss Iraq Organization.
Ang gaganda ng mga babae nila. Di ba yung previous Miss Iraq maganda din. Too bad she didnt get to compete.
Grabee ang ganda niya. her eyes ❤
For a war-torn country like Iraq, where the almost daily death and destruction is destroying society’s moral fabric, the call for social change and renewal is finding a platform in beauty pageantry. Supported no less by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, this is one more proof that pageantry can be very relevant if it goes beyond physical beauty to the realm of national reconciliation and humanitarian action. Iraq is Mesopotamia in Biblical times, one of the world’s earliest civilisations and the homeland of Abraham. Its flourishing culture has bequeathed the world with priceless cultural treasures that wars simply pulverised instantaneously, or snatched away to some multimillion global auctions for rare treasures. If this beauty pageant can be a voice of reason to the warring factions, and a rallying point for the restoration of rare antiquities and cultural heritage, it can show to the world that indeed beauty pageantry can be a social and political catalyst. I hope Miss Iraq can place in some international contest so that she can acquire a global platform for her advocacies.
Great for pageantry! All the best Miss Iraq. Reminder that the Arab/Muslim world has thier share of beautiful women also.
Miss Tunisia, Miss Morocco, Miss Jordan, Miss Azerbaijan (these other nations have sent delegates to Miss U previously in addition to Miss Iraq and I wish they start sending again)
On the other side of the globe, missing Miss Cuba as well.
Gandang natural. Walang pang training camp yan ha.
Hmmm Sulaimani the Arab origins of Sulayman.
Royalty indeed!
Sounds like a TOP 8 placement at MW or at a minimum of Top 15 at MU.
Dapat may Miss Saudi Arabia din.
Don’t spew your ignorance here. Have you ever gone out of the Philippines.
Your statement is condescending
1% probability for Saudi Arabia as they are one of the most repressive nations against women; more likely for Pakistan and Afghanistan , even Iran to send delegates than Saudi Arabia ; UAE & Qatar, a couple of more open-minded Arab countries have relative chance of sending delegates.
Also, the other euraisan STAN counries (Kyrgstan, Turkmenistan,… ) have fielded delegates before to lesser known pageants, so maybe it’s time for Miss U
@ Pep : Good afternoon/morning/evening.
As per Jeremi, I am honored to share the ignorance.
But THAT’S PRECISELY THE POINT, isn’t it? As janetwrightlover details, why be repressed?
A possible compromise : ELECT/APPOINT Ms. Saudi Arabia from one of the expatriate Arabian communities. Far from the grasp of the repressive regimes/orders of the home country.
Arabia (Saudia) is TOO RICH (culturally and historically) a nation to NOT be represented!
And now, I await an Arabian Special Forces mercenary working under cover to come and SLAY me.
OK lang. Basta, Ms. Saudi Arabia SLAYS!
Each country has its own culture and belief with which everyone should respect without prejudices. That’s all I can say. Not every country is crazy about beauty pageants.