Pioneers in History Examples of the Iraqi Historical School's Creativity During the Twentieth Century

2025-09-14

Pioneering Women in the Science of History:
Models of the Iraqi Historical School’s Achievements in the 20th Century
On the occasion of the centenary of the birth of the Iraqi historian Maliha Muhammad Rahmatullah Al-Araji, the Department of Historical Studies at Bayt al-Hikma, in cooperation with the Taʼ Project for Empowering Women, organized a scientific symposium entitled “Pioneering Women in the Science of History: Models of the Iraqi Historical School’s Achievements in the 20th Century.” The event was held within the activities of the 26th Baghdad International Book Fair, taking place from 10–21 September 2025.
The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Nadia Yassin Abd, a member of the Advisory Team of the Department of Historical Studies, while Ms. Tamara Karim Saleh from the Taʼ Project for Empowering Women served as rapporteur.
The symposium represented an academic occasion grounded in the theoretical framework of the new historical school, which emphasizes precise analysis of reality and comprehensive studies that review and interpret broad historical periods.
A group of specialized female historians took part in the event. Prof. Dr. Wafaa Adnan Al-Zubaidi, from the College of Arts, University of Baghdad, presented the first paper on the pioneer Maliha Muhammad Rahmatullah Al-Araji, highlighting her biography and contributions to the field. Dr. Wijdan Abdul Karim, from the College of Education for Women, University of Baghdad, discussed the work of the pioneer Dr. Khawla Al-Fadhli. Prof. Dr. Inam Hussein Ahmed, from the College of Education, Al-Mustansiriya University, reviewed the life of the pioneer Amal Al-Saadi. Finally, Dr. Faihaa Mouloud Ali, from the College of Arts, University of Baghdad, presented her research on the pioneer Riya Muhsin Al-Hajj Younis, who devoted her career to the General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage.
In conclusion, Dr. Qahtan Naama Hassan Al-Khafaji, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bayt al-Hikma, emphasized the distinguished position of historical studies and stressed the importance of shedding light on scholars who dedicated their lives to research and inquiry in pursuit of a deeper understanding of historical realities. He added that such efforts serve as a rich source of lessons and insights, enriching the scientific and cultural community and contributing to the building of a more enlightened future.
The symposium was attended by a large gathering of history professors, specialists, and visitors of the Baghdad International Book Fair.