College of Archaeology

The master’s thesis entitled “Symbols of the Gods in Ancient Hittite Civilization” was def defended by student Muhammad Abdulghani Abdullah from Civilization Department on Monday, July 28, 2025, in Dr. Bahnam Abu Al-Suf’s Hall. The study addressed Anatolia and expressed concepts and connotations in the philosophy of religious thought among the Hittites. The use of symbols for the gods was based on specific connotations, each reflecting specific concepts and interpretations of natural phenomena or objects, or the perceptions and supernatural ideas that circulated in the minds. These perceptions or symbols were crafted in harmony with the mental nature and religious concepts prevalent at the time.
Due to the importance and status of the gods, the Hittites paid particular attention to them and depicted them in the form of symbols in artistic scenes, including the Yaziliqiya sculpture. According to their belief, these symbols represented a reflection of the tasks or functions performed by each god in regulating the affairs of the universe or of humankind on Earth.

The viva committee consisted of the following professors:

Prof. Dr. Yasmine Abdul Karim Muhammad Ali, University of Mosul, College of Archaeology, Department of Civilization, Chair
Prof. Dr. Hussein Aliwi Abdul Hussein, University of Kufa, College of Archaeology, Department of Ancient Iraqi Archaeology, Member

Assistant Professor Dr. Moaz Habash Khader, University of Mosul, College of Archaeology, Department of Ancient Iraqi Languages, Member

Assistant Professor Dr. Khalaf Zidan Khalaf, University of Mosul, College of Education for Tourism Sciences, Department of Tourism Studies, Member and Supervisor

The Deanship of the College of Archaeology wishes the supervising professor and student success.
This discussion falls within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, Goal 4: Quality Education.