College of Archaeology

Department of Ancient Iraqi Languages

1) Vision:
The Department of Ancient Iraqi Languages at the College of Archeology at the University of Mosul is keen to build scientific staff specialized in ancient writings and languages, which is known internationally as Assyriology, in order to enable them to absorb modern scientific developments and their techniques, in a way that is consistent with the reality of cuneiform studies in Iraq and to advance the reality of the branches of linguistic and cuneiform studies. The department becomes a pioneering center in developing the process of teaching ancient languages (Sumerian and Akkadian in their dialects), as well as comparative studies with the Eastern Aramaic and Syriac languages, as well as analysis of newly discovered cuneiform texts in archaeological sites, and expanding the base of beneficiaries of the department’s specializations in light of comprehensive quality standards.

2) Mission:
Introducing the pioneering role of the Mesopotamian civilization by intensifying linguistic studies concerned with the Sumerian language and the Akkadian language with its Babylonian and Assyrian dialects, and highlighting the role of the ancient Iraqis in creating the oldest known writing system in the world to date. Therefore, the department seeks to attract the world’s interest in the importance of studying these languages and the writings in which they were written.

3) Objectives:
– Preparing specialized Iraqi scientific staff with the ability and competence to read cuneiform texts, analyze them, and understand their contents, which are among the most important sources for studying Mesopotamian civilization.
– Filling the shortage in the specialty of cuneiform writings in Iraq and perpetuating it, as it is one of the specializations that was exclusive to Western institutes and universities for many years.
– Active contribution in providing scientific consultations between department staff and the General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage in the field of archaeological investigations and excavations based on reading and analyzing cuneiform texts and supervising graduate students, in addition to scientific activity in the field of local and international scientific research and publishing.
– Participating in spreading archaeological awareness at the local level by introducing the importance of the Sumerian and Akkadian languages, opening up to sectors of the Ministry of Education, and raising a conscious generation that understands the most important cultural foundations from which the Mesopotamian civilization began, its authenticity, and its cultural influence up to the present time.