The sustainable development goals in Iraq

Heritage Revival Center Organizes a Workshop “Women and Their Role in Architectural and Decorative Arts

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 Women’s Affairs Division at the Center organized a workshop on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Professor Nabeela Abdul-Munim Dawood Hall, with the attendance of several academic professors.The workshop was titled: “Women and Their Role in Architectural and Decorative Arts” The session was chaired by Dr. Zainab Khalid Mohammed, a faculty member at the Center, while the lecture was delivered by Dr. Liqaa Amer Ashour, also a faculty member at the Center. Dr. Ashour spoke about the Iraqi woman’s role as a central figure in safeguarding and shaping national heritage—not only as a transmitter but also as a creator and contemporary contributor to a renewed cultural identity. From architecture to jewelry, from fashion to folk crafts, her contributions reflect a subtle yet powerful cultural force. The lecture emphasized women’s active participation in design teams, ornamentation, folk symbolism, embroidery, engineering, and the organization of workshops and artistic initiatives aimed at preserving the authentic architectural character—while integrating modern technology to realize aesthetic visions Decorative designers have played a vital role in enhancing both public and private spaces with high-level artistic touches, thereby reinforcing the heritage value of Iraqi women.

Professor Dr. Wasan Hussein Muhimid, from the Department of Human Studies at our Center, delivered an online lecture titled: “A Journey with Father Anastas Mari Al-Karmali” .The lecture was hosted by the Learning Journey Iraq Project Organization based in London, via Zoom, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 9:00 PM Baghdad time. In the lecture, Dr. Wasan discussed the biographical, academic, and professional journey of Father Anastas, as well as his intellectual contributions and perspectives on folk heritage, concluding with a reflection on his passing. At the end of the session, Dr. Qais Al-Obaidi, the Head of the Organization, extended gratitude to Dr. Wasan and all attendees, expressing hope for her continued success and future participation in other scholarly lectures.

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.

On the morning of Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage welcomed a group of first-year students from the College of Political Science at the University of Baghdad (morning studies), headed by Assistant Professor Dr. Sidad Mouloud Saba’.The delegation was received by Professor Dr. Zainab Kamel Karim, Head of the Manuscripts Department, and Mr. Fares Issa Fares, Director of Administration at our Center. The students toured the Center’s facilities and explored its heritage collections.A significant part of the visit focused on the manuscripts, where students were introduced to some of the most valuable manuscripts preserved in the Center’s library. They also learned about the methods of preservation and restoration, as well as the techniques used in cataloging and classifying these valuable historical documents.The visit also included a tour of the Center’s museum, where the students expressed their appreciation for the rare and precious heritage artifacts on display.At the conclusion of the visit, the Head of the Manuscripts Department extended her gratitude to the student delegation, wishing them continued success in their academic journey in service of their university and beloved Iraq.

Heritage Revival Center Organizes a Workshop: “Heritage and Sustainable Development“

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 workshop on Monday morning, May 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM, in Professor Nabeela Abdul-Munim Dawood Hall, attended by a number of professors and researchers .The workshop was entitled: “Heritage and Sustainable Development” The session was chaired by Dr. Juman Adnan Hussein, a member at our Center. The lecture was delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Su’ad Yousif Al-Himyari — a writer, poet, and critic specializing in Arabic language, affiliated with the General Directorate of Education in Baghdad / Karkh II , the Openning  College. She presented a research entitled:  “Arabic Language, Heritage, and Sustainable Development: An Integrated Intellectual Vision” Dr. Al-Himyari discussed the essential interconnection between the three concepts, aiming to highlight the role of the Arabic language as a bearer of civilizational heritage and a driver of sustainable development. She shed light on how the richness of the Arabic language and cultural heritage can be leveraged to achieve the goals of sustainable development on cultural, social, and economic levels. Dr. Al-Himyari emphasized the importance of raising awareness among participants regarding the role of Arabic and heritage within the context of sustainability, encouraging them to develop innovative ideas and projects that benefit from this relationship. She also stressed the need to strengthen collaboration among various stakeholders—academic, cultural, governmental, and private sectors—to support efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development while preserving cultural identity. The workshop concluded with several insightful interventions and discussions on the significance of sustainable development in today’s world.

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.