Trade Between Heritage and Modernity”

The Center for the Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage Holds a Scientific Symposium Entitled “Trade Between Heritage and Modernity“

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 Manuscripts Department organized a scientific symposium on Wednesday, May 14, 2025**, at 10:00 AM in **Professor Nabeela Abdul Moneim Dawood Hall**, with the attendance of a number of academics and researchers. The symposium was entitled: “Trade Between Heritage and Modernity.”The session was chaired by Professor Dr. Zainab Kamel Kareem, Head of the Manuscripts Department, who opened the session with a speech emphasizing the importance of connecting trade practices from ancient times with those of the modern era, highlighting the economic and cultural significance of trade in society.Dr. Zainab presented research paper titled:”Trade in the Holy Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah,”in which she explained that trade is among the noblest professions encouraged in Islam, as it provides sustenance for individuals and communities. She emphasized the importance of the Muslim trader adhering to the ethics and values of the faith, especially in light of the growing prevalence of questionable and prohibited practices in modern-day commerce.Following this, Dr. Liqaa Shakir Al-Sharifi, a faculty member at the Center, presented a paper titled:”The Silk Road and Its Impact on Arab Trade”discussing the significance of the Silk Road as one of the most prominent historical trade routes that linked the East and the West. She noted that it was not merely a path for the movement of goods, but also a channel for the exchange of ideas and cultures, highlighting the vital role Muslim and Chinese merchants played in developing cross-cultural commercial networks.Next, Dr. Liqaa Amer Ashour, also a member from the Center, presented a research paper entitled:”Heritage Trade and Its Role in Promoting National Identity,”where she addressed the concept of heritage trade as a component of the cultural economy, focusing on the sale and promotion of traditional local products. She emphasized how this form of trade contributes to preserving both tangible and intangible heritage, supporting artisans and creatives, integrating traditional crafts into the formal economy, and encouraging cultural tourism.The final paper was presented by Assistant Lecturer Walaa Diaa Nassif, a faculty member at the Center, under the title:”The Impact of Digital Transformation on Modern Trade,”in which she discussed e-commerce and digital transformation as key forces of innovation and progress in the global trade landscape. She highlighted how businesses can harness technology and innovation to explore new opportunities and achieve sustainable success in the digital economy.The symposium also featured several academic interventions and discussions that reflected the strategic importance of trade in shaping the future. In conclusion, Dr. Laith Majid Hussein expressed his gratitude to the participating researchers and wished them continued success in serving the university and our beloved Iraq.