( 14 goal ) Life below water

The Center for the Revival of Arabic Scientific Heritage Participates in the Eighth Scientific Conference of the General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage

At the invitation of the General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage, the Center for the Revival of Arabic Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad participated in the activities of the Eighth Scientific Conference entitled “The Civilizational Role of the City of Baghdad Through Historical Eras.” The conference was held under the patronage of Dr. Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, and under the supervision of Mr. Qasim Taher Al-Sudani, Deputy Minister, under the slogan “Baghdad: Authenticity and Everlasting Splendor.”

The conference took place on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in the Cordoba Hall of the Al-Mansour Melia Hotel in Baghdad, with the participation of a distinguished group of researchers, academics, and specialists in the fields of history, archaeology, and heritage. During their participation, representatives of the Center emphasized the importance of such conferences in documenting Iraq’s civilizational heritage and supporting national efforts aimed at preserving cultural identity and strengthening the sense of belonging to the deep-rooted history of the capital, Baghdad.

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, our Center organized a scientific workshop on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., in cooperation with the Center for Strategic Studies and under the patronage of the Women’s Affairs Division at the University of Baghdad. The workshop was attended by a number of female researchers and was held in Professor Nabeela Abdul Muneem Dawood Hall. The workshop, entitled “Enhancing the Role of Women in Political Work and Decision-Making,” was chaired by Asst. Prof. Dr. Rasha Issa Faris, Head of the Baghdad Documentation Department and faculty member at our Center. The lecture was delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Rana Mouloud Shaker, faculty member at the Center for Strategic and International Studies at the University of Baghdad.

Dr. Shaker discussed the importance of strengthening women’s participation in decision-making, emphasizing that it is one of the essential conditions for building a genuine and inclusive democracy. She noted that this process requires integrated efforts, represented through several recommendations — including the need for active government entities to enact supportive legislation, strengthening the family’s role in raising children on the principle of support and confidence, particularly for women, and the use of media to craft positive discourse, imagery, and attitudes toward women.

Professor Wasan Hussein Muhimid, from the Department of Human Studies in the Center, participated in the scientific symposium organized by Dar Najm Al-Mashriq Cultural House for Publishing and Distribution, affiliated with the Chaldean Patriarchate in Baghdad, entitled “Father Yousif Habbi (1938–2000): The Man and the Thinker”, marking the 25th anniversary of his passing. The symposium was held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the hall of Mar Gorgis Chaldean Church in Al-Ghadeer. It was attended by His Beatitude Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and the world; his assistant Bishop Basilios Yaldo; H.E. Professor Dr. Mohammed Hussein Al-Yasien, President of the Iraqi Scientific Academy; along with a distinguished group of researchers, academics, and intellectuals from various scientific institutions, Baghdadi councils, and those interested in the thought of Father Habbi.

Dr. Wasan presented a paper entitled “The father Dr. Yousif Habbi and His Role in Preserving the Syriac Heritage”, shedding light on his scholarly activities and contributions to academic conferences, scientific institutions, and both local and international journals through his chairmanship of the Syriac Committee at the Iraqi Scientific Academy. Dr. Wasan received the Father Yousif Habbi Award for Excellence and Creativity for her paper, which was recognized as the best research presented at the symposium.

In conclusion, the Center’s administration extended their thanks and congratulations to Dr. Wasan, wishing her continued success and achievement in her academic career.

Under the supervision of Professor Dr. Laith Majeed Hussein, Director of the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad, the Department of Pure Sciences at the Center organized a workshop on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, held in Professor Nabeela Abdul Muneim Dawood Hall, that attended by a number of professors and academics.  The workshop,entitled “Historical Factors Behind the Emergence of Cities in the Upper Euphrates Region,” was chaired by Professor Dr. Taha Subti Ibrahim, Head of the Department of Pure Sciences at our Center. The lecture was delivered by Professor Dr. Saadi Ibrahim Al-Darraji, a retired faculty member of the Center, who discussed the most significant historical factors that contributed to the establishment and continuity of settlement in the Upper Euphrates cities. Among these factors were geographical, economic, administrative and political, military, and social aspects.

Dr. Al-Darraji particularly emphasized the economic factor, especially trade and ancient transportation routes, as well as traditional industries and the importance of agricultural activity in the cities of the region. He also highlighted the historical significance of ancient urban centers with deep roots in history, such as Anah, Haditha, Al-Wus, and Jubbah, noting that most of them emerged along the Euphrates on small fortified islands dating back at least to the Assyrian era, with continuous habitation throughout the Sasanian, Roman, and Islamic periods. The researcher further discussed archaeological sites and major cultural landmarks in the cities of the Upper Euphrates, presenting examples of military, religious, and public architecture. The workshop included several academic discussions and contributions related to the topic. In conclusion, the Center’s administration expressed its appreciation to the distinguished researcher, wishing him continued success in his scholarly endeavors.

Under the supervision of Professor Dr. Laith Majeed Hussein, Director of the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage at the University of Baghdad, our Center organized a seminar on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., held in Professor Nabeela Abdul Muneim Dawood Hall and attended by a number of professors and academics. The seminar, titled “The City of Kufa: Its Urban Planning and Cultural Landmarks,” was delivered by Assistant Lecturer Zainab Jamal Nawroz, a faculty member in the Center. she discussed the origins and development of the city of Kufa, which was founded in 638 AD as a military camp and later evolved into an important urban center.

Nawroz highlighted that Kufa was distinguished by its orderly and geometric urban design, featuring straight, well-organized streets arranged around a central market and a grand mosque. The city served as a political and administrative center during the Islamic era and attracted scholars, jurists, and intellectuals. She added that Kufa’s civilization blended both military and urban characteristics, and the city was known for its public buildings, markets, and advanced social facilities. Its Great Mosque became a center for Islamic jurisprudence and Arabic linguistics, contributing significantly to the spread of knowledge and culture.

The lecture emphasized Kufa’s role as a hub of cultural and political activity during the early Islamic period, reflecting its prominent position in the history of Islamic civilization.