On Thursday, December 18, 2025, the University of Mosul held a major central celebration for World Arabic Language Day, under the patronage and presence of the university’s president, Professor Dr. Waheed Mahmoud Al-Ibrahimi. The celebration included the announcement of the results of the “Readers Competition” for its second season, as well as the honoring of the winners of the “Classical Arabic Poetry Competition,” in the presence of a high-level academic and cultural audience. Prominent supporters of the university’s educational journey, such as Professor Dr. Muzahim Al-Khayat, President of the University of Nineveh, Professor Dr. Osama Al-Mashhadani, along with academic and administrative assistants, members of the university council, the manager of the Iraqi National Bank/Nineveh Branch, Mr. Abdullah Ghanem Elias, renowned Moslawi poet Dr. Walid Al-Sarraf, and a group of cultural and social figures from Nineveh, were also in attendance.

The event began with the national anthem, followed by a recitation of Al-Fatiha in honor of Iraq’s martyrs. The university president then delivered a speech welcoming the attendees, highlighting the crucial role of supporters in the university’s resurgence, and stressing that this academic institution is the fruit of the combined efforts of its staff and supporters. The president of the University of Nineveh also gave a speech, emphasizing the importance of the Arabic language and reading as fundamental pillars of knowledge and awareness. This was followed by a heartfelt contribution from poet Dr. Walid Al-Sarraf, who presented a poem celebrating the beauty of the Arabic language and its 28 letters, as the language of the Qur’an and the historical vessel for science and literature.

In a gesture of appreciation, the President of the University of Mosul honored the individuals and institutions that contributed to the success of the second season of the “Readers Competition” and the “Classical Arabic Poetry Competition.” Dr. Walid Al-Sarraf was awarded the “Language of the Qur’an” shield, and Professor Dr. Muzahim Al-Khayat was honored for his continuous support. Also honored were Professor Dr. Osama Al-Mashhadani, the manager of the Iraqi National Bank/Nineveh Branch, Mr. Abdullah Ghanem Elias, the representative of Nineveh Education, Mr. Khaled Al-Yasari, the Dean of the College of Education for Girls, Professor Dr. Shatha Hazem Taha, researcher and historian Professor Dr. Ahmed Qasim Al-Jumah, President of Mosul Heritage Foundation Mr. Ayoub Dhanoon, and the founder of the “Bookshelf Initiative” Mr. Salah Al-Warraq, in recognition of their contributions to the success of this cultural event.

The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to the winners of the literary competitions, which saw wide participation. Mervat Essam won first place in the “Readers Challenge,” with more than 2,000 readers participating, while Moaz Jumaa Mahmoud, a student from the College of Education for Humanities at the University of Mosul, won first place in the “Classical Arabic Poetry Competition.” Winners from various age groups were also honored, along with the judging committee, led by Professor Dr. Ahmed Jarallah, in appreciation of their efforts in making this cultural gathering a success and reinforcing Arab identity for future generations.