Reclaiming Perception through Story and Memory

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The symposium, "Sabian Mandaeans: Their Cultural and Religious Heritage, and Their Association with Mesopotamia," held on November 5, 2023, marked a momentous academic and cultural event, the first of its kind to be held focusing exclusively on the Sabien Mandaens. Sponsored by Rights for Time Network at the University of Birmingham and organized by the Al-Rewaq Foundation, the Faculty of Education at the University of Kufa, and the UNESCO Chair for Inter-religious Dialogue Studies, this symposium aimed to highlight the Sabian Mandaeans, delving into their history, cultural and religious heritage, and linguistic connections with contemporary society. The event gathered scholars, academics, and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds to explore the captivating history of this ancient community and its relation to Iraq and the wider context. It attracted an audience of approximately 160-200 individuals, including university staff members, community members, students, and others interested in the event. Furthermore, it received considerable media coverage from two Iraqi TV channels, expanding its reach.

1. The symposium provided a comprehensive introduction to the Mandaean community, offering insights into their history, cultural and religious practices, as well as their language. The objective aimed to establish a foundational understanding of the Sabian Mandaeans, fostering an appreciation of their rich heritage and unique cultural contributions.

2. A crucial facet of the event was its collaboration with Iraqi television channels. This partnership aimed to enhance media awareness by conducting interviews with participants and recording the symposium's proceedings for broadcast. By sharing the discussions and knowledge, the symposium contributed to a broader understanding of the Sabian Mandaean community and its significance within Iraq.

3. The symposium provided a platform for academic exchange and collaboration between scholars and institutions, promoting a deeper understanding of this ancient community. As well as bringing academics from different universities to share their knowledge. 

4. The event was shared and circulated largely on social media platforms by lectures, faculty of Education and Al-Rewaq Foundation platforms, all of which plays a significant role in raising the community awareness about this community. 

1. The First lecture, presented by Dr. Hayder Abdul Hassan from the College of Languages, focused on the linguistic commonalities between the Mandaean language and Semitic languages, considering Mandaic as one of the Semitic languages. The researcher emphasized the extensive linguistic and structural similarities between the Mandaean language and Semitic languages, particularly Syriac.

2. The second lecture, conducted by Assistant Professor Ashwaq Nasrat Jasim from the College of Languages at the University of Baghdad, delved into the Sabian Mandaeans and their religious heritage in Iraq, their roots in the country, their settlements near rivers, and prominent figures among Mandaean scholars and thinkers who significantly impacted Iraqi society.

3. The third lecture, delivered by Dr. Tahseen Fadel Abbas, representing the UNESCO Chair for Inter-religious Dialogue at the University of Kufa, discussed the naming of the Sabian Mandaeans, the Quranic perspective on them, and their beliefs.

4. The fourth lecture, presented by Assistant Professor Mazin Mohammed Hussein from the University of Babylon, addressed the common terms between the Arabic and Aramaic languages, including Mandaean, which are still in use in various aspects of daily life. These terms may appear as colloquial or auxiliary expressions in the Arabic language, but they originally stem from Eastern Aramaic, specifically Mandaean Aramaic.

5. The fifth lecture, given by Dr. Baha from the University of Baghadad, Faculty of Languages, explored the significance of studying Mandaic Incantation Bowls. These bowls are among the oldest Mandaean texts inscribed on pottery vessels, serving as protective talismans against jinn, demons, and malevolent spirits. These texts date back to the 7th to 9th centuries CE and differ from the Mandaean sacred scripture, known as the "Ginza Rba." These incantation bowls have been discovered in various regions across central and southern Iraq, often found buried beneath house thresholds or room floors, whether as individual or composite vessels.

In a world marked by diversity and multiculturalism, the value of cultural exchange and understanding cannot be overstated. The Mandaean community, a religious and ethnic minority in Iraq, embodies a profound cultural heritage that has piqued the interest of both local and international communities. To bridge the gap of knowledge and to foster mutual understanding, the creation and distribution of Arabic and English pamphlets about the Mandaeans are essential. These pamphlets serve as an invaluable tool for introducing this ancient community, their beliefs, rituals, language, heritage, and cultural concepts to the broader public.

Promoting Awareness and Tolerance By disseminating these pamphlets, we promote awareness and tolerance among a diverse audience. The Mandaeans, often misunderstood or even unheard of by many, benefit from this pamphlet to communicate their values, beliefs, and practices. Visitors and tourists gain insight into a community they may otherwise never encounter. This awareness fosters respect for diversity, encourages cultural appreciation, and reinforces the importance of tolerance in our interconnected world.