(10 goal ) Reduced inequalities

Center for the Revival of Arabic Scientific Heritage Organizes a Seminar

Under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Laith Majid Hussein, Director of the Center for the Revival of Arabic Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad,the Center organized a seminar on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., with the attendance of several staff members, in Professor Nabeela Abdul Muneem Dawood Hall.

The seminar, entitled “King Faisal I in the Hearts of Christians,” was presented by Dr. Wasan Hussein Muhaimid, a faculty member in the Center. Dr. Muhaimid spoke about King Faisal I, the founder of the Kingdom of Iraq, highlighting his esteemed position in the hearts of Iraqis in general, and Christians in particular. She noted that the truest expressions of love are those felt after the passing of the beloved, transcending mere courtesy or the desire to win favor, reflecting genuine affection, loyalty, and gratitude toward those who served the country and its people with honor. The researcher emphasized the pure and sincere sentiments conveyed in a sermon by the Arabic-speaking priest, Father Anastasius Al-Karmali, delivered during a session held by the Catholic Christian communities in Baghdad to commemorate the deeds of His Majesty King Faisal I, who passed away in Bern on September 17, 1933. The sermon was presented to his son and successor, King Ghazi I, as a respectful tribute to the late King from the Carmelite Fathers’ mission in Iraq.

Father Anastasius described the love and trust of the Christian communities toward King Faisal and his leadership, addressing the audience to explain the purpose of his sermon, which concluded with prayers for the late King.

Under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Laith Majid Hussein, Director of the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad, the Department of Humanities organized a panel discussion on Wednesday morning, September 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Nabīlah ʿAbd al-Munʿim Dāwūd Hall. The event was attended by a number of professors and academics and was entitled “The Phenomenon of Atheism between Heritage and Modernity.”

The lecture was delivered by Prof. Dr. Anas Issam Ismail, a faculty member at our Center, who discussed the historical presence of atheism, its beginnings in ancient times, and the main reasons for its spread before and after Islam. He explained the distinction between atheism and disbelief, traced the history of disbelief and paganism among the Arabs before Islam, and explored how atheism spread after World War II. He also highlighted the difference between secularism and atheism in contemporary times, as well as the impact of the knowledge explosion, social communication, and the internet on the rise of atheism among young people.

The researcher further noted that atheism in public debates is no longer merely an individual or personal stance but has become an expression of cultural, social, and political challenges facing societies, especially in light of technological development and exposure to global ideas through media and digital platforms. On the other hand, several intellectuals stressed that this movement, despite its diverse orientations, represents a form of intellectual dynamism and cultural diversity that calls for rational and balanced dialogue rather than confrontation or exclusion. They emphasized the importance of instilling values of tolerance and pluralism as a more conscious and effective approach to addressing the phenomenon.

The session also included several interventions and discussions on the topic.

Professor Dr. Wasan Hussein Muhaimid, from the Department of Human Studies at the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage, University of Baghdad, presents a lecture entitled “Religious Thought in Pre-Islamic Arabia” at the Kalimat al-Hayat Forum held by the National Evangelical Baptist Church on the morning of Saturday, June 21, 2025. The event was attended by Assistant Professor Dr. Laith Majid Hussein, Director of the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage, as well as representatives of the Kasnazani Cultural Center, the Iraqi Sufi Guidance Center, the Al-Raja Cultural Center, along with several researchers and civil society activists.

In this lecture, Dr. Wasan provided an overview of the geography and nomenclature of the Arabian Peninsula, as well as the origins of the Arab peoples. She then discussed the prominent religions present in the region before the advent of Islam, including Hanifism, Paganism, Judaism, Christianity, Sabianism, and Zoroastrianism—highlighting the historical background of each religion, the reasons for its spread, and the tribes that embraced it.

At the conclusion of the event, Father Ara Badalian, pastor of the National Evangelical Baptist Church, presented Dr. Wasan with a certificate of appreciation, expressing his gratitude and wishing her and all attendees continued success in serving our beloved country.

Heritage Revival Center Organizes a Workshop “Combating Smoking in Educational Institutions and Methods of Addressing It”

Under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Laith Majid Hussein, Director of the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad, our Center organized an out-of-plan workshop on Monday morning, June 2, 2025, in Professor Nabeela Abdul-Munim Dawood Hall, with the participation of a number of professors and researchers. The workshop, held in cooperation with the University of Baghdad’s University Health Division, was entitled:“Combating Smoking in Educational Institutions and Methods of Addressing It” The lecture was delivered by Assistant Lecturer Maryam Ali Najib, who discussed the hazardous chemicals found in cigarettes and their physical and psychological effects on human health. She emphasized that smoking in the workplace has both direct and indirect consequences for colleagues through secondhand smoke, increasing the risk of heart and lung diseases among non-smokers, which in turn contributes to higher rates of absenteeism due to chronic illnesses.The speaker also highlighted the increased risk of workplace fires resulting from negligence and the violation of safety regulations, which could endanger institutional property. In conclusion, the session featured a discussion on strategies to support smoking cessation and practical advice for employees to reduce or eliminate smoking in the workplace.

Heritage Revival Center Organizes a Seminar “Building Materials Used in Ancient Iraq and Their Role in Preserving Temples and Palaces”

Under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Laith Majid Hussein, Director of the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad, the  Center organized a seminar on Monday morning, May 26, 2025, in Professor Nabeela Abdul-Munim Dawood Hall, attended by a number of professors and researchers. The seminar was entitled: “Building Materials Used in Ancient Iraq and Their Role in Preserving Temples and Palaces” The lecture was presented  by Assistant instructor Milad Mohammed Yassin, a member in the Center, who spoke about the construction materials that played a major role in the building of temples and palaces in Mesopotamian civilization. He emphasized how the environment significantly influenced both the choice of building materials and the types of structures constructed. Clay was the primary material used due to its ease of production and its thermal insulation properties during summer. It was also used as a binding material in construction. The researcher elaborated on the methods of utilizing these materials, including molded mud bricks, which were strengthened by mixing straw and chaff with clay and drying them, resulting in high durability. Their structural method allowed walls to remain intact for extended periods. Fired bricks (ajur) were also highlighted, particularly in the construction of temple foundations due to their resistance to moisture, salt, and high compressive strength. Bitumen was used as a binding agent with fired bricks because of its waterproofing properties. High-quality wood was used as an essential material for roofing temples, while stones, such as limestone, were employed in temple and palace construction and in flooring. Limestone was especially valued for its strength and durability, which contributed to the preservation of these structures up to the present day.

At the invitation of Mrs. Sarah, granddaughter of the renowned scholar Dr. Ahmed Soussa,  Assistant Professor Dr. Laith Majid Hussein, Director of the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage, assigned a delegation of faculty members from the Center to visit the Soussa Foundation on Monday, May 26, 2025.The delegation included Prof. Dr. Anas Issam and Prof. Dr. Wasan Hussein Muhyimid. The visit was attended by several prominent figures, including professors and Christian from inside and outside Iraq. the Center was invited to open channels of cooperation, including seminars and workshops, and to examine the scholarly legacy of Dr. Ahmed Soussa—especially his unpublished manuscripts—with the aim of cataloging and critically editing the At the conclusion of the visit, Mrs. Sarah expressed gratitude to the attendees and hoped for continued constructive academic engagement.