Under the patronage of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naim Al-Aboudi, and the supervision of the President of the University of Mosul, Prof. Dr. Waheed Mahmoud Al-Ibrahimi, the College of Archaeology at the University of Mosul held its fifth international conference titled “The Role of Antiquities and Heritage in Preserving Cultural Identity” on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. The event took place at the university’s Grand Theater Hall, with the attendance of Prof. Dr. Munir Salem Taha, Assistant President for Scientific Affairs, the Deputy Chairman of the Nineveh Provincial Council, and several members of the university council.

The conference began with the national anthem, a recitation from the Holy Quran, and a moment of silence with Al-Fatiha for the souls of Iraq’s martyrs. Opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Dr. Yasmin Abdul Karim, Dean of the College of Archaeology, followed by a speech from Prof. Dr. Lubna Khamis Mahdi, Director General of the Research and Development Department and Chairwoman of the Higher Committee supervising the conference. Additional remarks were given by Mr. Muhammad Abdullah Al-Jubouri, Deputy Chairman of the Provincial Council. A video presentation showed the college’s efforts in restoring damaged artifacts, followed by a fashion show by the Iraqi Fashion House highlighting the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia.

On the sidelines of the conference, an exhibition of student works was inaugurated, featuring artistic paintings, models, handicrafts, and cuneiform tablets.

Conference Sessions

The conference’s first day featured two sessions with 14 research papers covering topics such as:

Foundations of ancient Iraqi civilization

Methods of looting antiquities

Tourism in Arab heritage

The Akitu Festival

The origins of religious beliefs in Mesopotamia

Pottery forms discovered at Hill Abu Al-Qasim

Mechanisms for receiving and registering archaeological artifacts

The economic role of women in light of texts from the city of Sippar

The role of irrigation systems in the emergence of cities

The second day included two sessions with 18 research papers addressing topics such as:

The origins of the royal concept

The etymology of certain diseases and medicinal plants

King Nabonidus’ move to Tayma

The Jewish Quarter in Mosul during the Ottoman era

Motivations behind the selection of fort locations

Development and sustainability of archaeological sites

Bookbinding art

The planning and architecture of Sheikh Ahmad bin Abdul Wahid Al-Saarti Mosque

Qatar’s ancient history in light of archaeological surveys and technologies

International Participation

The conference welcomed contributions from scholars and researchers from the United Kingdom, Qatar, Egypt, and Algeria, in addition to submissions from Iraqi universities.

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