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Iraqi News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
PM Al Sudani affirms agriculture as a top priority for Iraq's economy
Baghdad ( – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani affirmed that the agriculture sector is a top priority for his government and a fundamental pillar of the economy, during a meeting with a group of professors from the University of Baghdad's College of Agriculture on Monday (July 14, 2025). The Prime Minister listened to a briefing on the role of agricultural colleges and the importance of scientific research in developing Iraq's agricultural reality. According to a statement from his office, the discussion focused on the crucial role of academics in societal development. Al Sudani stressed the importance of university professors contributing their expertise and ideas to advance the sector. He also encouraged the use of modern technology and innovations in agriculture to boost productivity and sustainability. The Prime Minister concluded by stating that his government has taken several measures to support the educational process and remove obstacles for teaching staff, enabling them to contribute effectively to the development of Iraq's vital sectors.
Indian Express
03-07-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
1,000 year old Babylonian hymn celebrating ancient city revived using AI
A long-lost Babylonian hymn, missing for more than a millennium, has been largely reconstructed thanks to artificial intelligence. Dating back to the early first millennium BCE (c. 1000 BCE), the 250-line hymn praises the ancient city of Babylon. It describes its monumental buildings, fertile fields sustained by the Euphrates River, and the role of celibate priestesses in society. The text was pieced together from over 30 fragmented clay tablets spread across several museums and collections. The reconstruction was made possible through a collaborative effort between researchers at the University of Baghdad and Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, who published their findings in the journal Iraq. The project utilised an AI-powered platform that digitises fragments of cuneiform – the script used by ancient civilisations, including Mesopotamia and Persia – and cross-references them to identify matching passages. 'Using our AI-supported platform, we managed to identify 30 other manuscripts that belong to the rediscovered hymn – a process that would formerly have taken decades,' said study co-author and Assyriologist Enrique Jiménez. The hymn itself is focused on Babylon's grandeur; most significantly, it celebrates the city's majestic architecture, emphasising how canals and fields thrived alongside bustling urban structures. Notably, it highlights the cultural importance of women serving as priestesses as well as Babylon's welcoming attitude towards foreigners, offering a rare glimpse into the structure of Babylon's social and cultural society. One striking feature is how widely the hymn was known at the time. Dozens of copies were found among what appeared to be school texts. 'The hymn was copied by children at school,' Jiménez noted, suggesting that this hymn was memorised by and taught to students. Despite its length, some sections of the hymn remain missing or damaged, particularly towards the end. About one-third of the original text is still fragmented, indicating growing opportunities for AI-assisted reconstruction and discovery of damaged or lost ancient texts. A passage from the larger hymn is transcribed below: The Euphrates is her river—established by wise lord Nudimmud— It quenches the lea, saturates the canebrake, Disgorges its waters into lagoon and sea, Its fields burgeon with herbs and flowers, Its meadows, in brilliant bloom, sprout barley, From which, gathered, sheaves are stacked, Herds and flocks lie on verdant pastures, Wealth and splendor—what befit mankind— Are bestowed, multiplied, and regally granted. (This article has been curated by Arfan Jeelany, who is an intern with The Indian Express)
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
AI deciphers hymn on 4,000-year-old clay tablet to unlock mystery of ancient city of Babylon
AN ANCIENT hymn lost for 4,000 years on a Babylonian tablet has finally been deciphered using artificial intelligence (AI). Advances in technology made the discovery possible in a fraction of the time, according to a new Advertisement 5 Babylonian texts were composed in cuneiform, the oldest form of writing, on clay tablets Credit: Anmar A. Fadhil and Enrique Jiménez 5 Researchers believe children would have studied the hymn, which is comprised of 250 lines of text, at school Credit: Anmar A. Fadhil and Enrique Jiménez 5 Roughly 100 lines of the hymn's ending are still missing or mutilated, according to the study Credit: Anmar A. Fadhil and Enrique Jiménez Without AI, it would have taken decades to decode. The text, inscribed on an ancient tablet, is from Babylon, Mesopotamia - once the largest city in the world in 2000 BCE. Babylonian texts were composed in cuneiform, the oldest form of writing, on clay tablets. But they have only survived in fragments, meaning their messages are hard to decipher. Advertisement After digitising a selection of ancient texts, researchers at the University of Baghdad and Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, uncovered an ancient hymn they believe Babylon residents would have sung. "Using our AI-supported platform, we managed to identify 30 other manuscripts that belong to the rediscovered hymn—a process that would formerly have taken decades," said Enrique Jiménez, professor of Ancient Near Eastern Literatures at LMU's Institute of Assyriology. Although parts of these texts were missing, scholars were still able to completely decipher the hymn of praise. "It's a fascinating hymn that describes Babylon in all its majesty and gives insights into the lives of its inhabitants, male and female," added Jiménez. Advertisement Most read in Science Exclusive Researchers believe children would have studied the hymn, which is comprised of 250 lines of text, at school. Numerous copies of the hymn have been found inscribed on clay tablets from the era. "The hymn was copied by children at school. It's unusual that such a popular text in its day was unknown to us before now," said Jiménez. "It was written by a Babylonian who wanted to praise his city. Advertisement "The author describes the buildings in the city, but also how the waters of the Euphrates bring the spring and green the fields. "This is all the more spectacular as surviving Mesopotamian literature is sparing in its descriptions of natural phenomena." Excerpt from the ancient hymn Here are some lines from the newly discovered hymn of praise: "The Euphrates is her river - established by wise lord Nudimmud - "It quenches the lea, saturates the canebrake, "Disgorges its waters into lagoon and sea, "Its fields burgeon with herbs and flowers, "Its meadows, in brilliant bloom, sprout barley, "From which, gathered, sheaves are stacked, "Herds and flocks lie on verdant pastures, "Wealth and splendour - what befit mankind - "Are bestowed, multiplied, and regally granted." The ruins of the ancient city of Babylon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are located some 85 km south of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. Beyond the city and its pastures, the hymn also reveals new details about the lives of women in Babylon. Advertisement Women had roles as priestesses, which were described as being particularly virtuous. They were praised in the hymn for their devotion and discretion. Priestesses were famously celibate, and were among the professions established to to keep the population's birth rate under control. Their "partners", mentioned in the hymn, are understood to be the gods they are devoted to. Advertisement The hymn also offers insights into the melding of different cultures in the early urban society. For example, the inhabitants are described as being respectful to foreigners. Read more on the Irish Sun While researchers have uncovered unprecedented detail about ancient Babylon, there are more secrets to uncover. Roughly 100 lines of the hymn's ending are still missing or mutilated, according to the study, so it is difficult to decipher what they might have contained. Advertisement 5 Beyond the city and its pastures, the hymn also reveals new details about the lives of women in Babylon Credit: Anmar A. Fadhil and Enrique Jiménez 5 The ruins of the ancient city of Babylon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are located some 85 km south of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
AI deciphers hymn on 4,000-year-old clay tablet to unlock mystery of ancient city of Babylon
Beyond the city and its pastures, the hymn also reveals new details about the lives of women in Babylon BIBLICAL BREAKTHROUGH AI deciphers hymn on 4,000-year-old clay tablet to unlock mystery of ancient city of Babylon Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ANCIENT hymn lost for 4,000 years on a Babylonian tablet has finally been deciphered using artificial intelligence (AI). Advances in technology made the discovery possible in a fraction of the time, according to a new study. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Babylonian texts were composed in cuneiform, the oldest form of writing, on clay tablets Credit: Anmar A. Fadhil and Enrique Jiménez 5 Researchers believe children would have studied the hymn, which is comprised of 250 lines of text, at school Credit: Anmar A. Fadhil and Enrique Jiménez 5 Roughly 100 lines of the hymn's ending are still missing or mutilated, according to the study Credit: Anmar A. Fadhil and Enrique Jiménez Without AI, it would have taken decades to decode. The text, inscribed on an ancient tablet, is from Babylon, Mesopotamia - once the largest city in the world in 2000 BCE. Babylonian texts were composed in cuneiform, the oldest form of writing, on clay tablets. But they have only survived in fragments, meaning their messages are hard to decipher. After digitising a selection of ancient texts, researchers at the University of Baghdad and Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, uncovered an ancient hymn they believe Babylon residents would have sung. "Using our AI-supported platform, we managed to identify 30 other manuscripts that belong to the rediscovered hymn—a process that would formerly have taken decades," said Enrique Jiménez, professor of Ancient Near Eastern Literatures at LMU's Institute of Assyriology. Although parts of these texts were missing, scholars were still able to completely decipher the hymn of praise. "It's a fascinating hymn that describes Babylon in all its majesty and gives insights into the lives of its inhabitants, male and female," added Jiménez. Researchers believe children would have studied the hymn, which is comprised of 250 lines of text, at school. Numerous copies of the hymn have been found inscribed on clay tablets from the era. "The hymn was copied by children at school. It's unusual that such a popular text in its day was unknown to us before now," said Jiménez. "It was written by a Babylonian who wanted to praise his city. "The author describes the buildings in the city, but also how the waters of the Euphrates bring the spring and green the fields. "This is all the more spectacular as surviving Mesopotamian literature is sparing in its descriptions of natural phenomena." Excerpt from the ancient hymn Here are some lines from the newly discovered hymn of praise: "The Euphrates is her river - established by wise lord Nudimmud - "It quenches the lea, saturates the canebrake, "Disgorges its waters into lagoon and sea, "Its fields burgeon with herbs and flowers, "Its meadows, in brilliant bloom, sprout barley, "From which, gathered, sheaves are stacked, "Herds and flocks lie on verdant pastures, "Wealth and splendour - what befit mankind - "Are bestowed, multiplied, and regally granted." The ruins of the ancient city of Babylon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are located some 85 km south of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. Beyond the city and its pastures, the hymn also reveals new details about the lives of women in Babylon. Women had roles as priestesses, which were described as being particularly virtuous. They were praised in the hymn for their devotion and discretion. Priestesses were famously celibate, and were among the professions established to to keep the population's birth rate under control. Their "partners", mentioned in the hymn, are understood to be the gods they are devoted to. The hymn also offers insights into the melding of different cultures in the early urban society. For example, the inhabitants are described as being respectful to foreigners. While researchers have uncovered unprecedented detail about ancient Babylon, there are more secrets to uncover. Roughly 100 lines of the hymn's ending are still missing or mutilated, according to the study, so it is difficult to decipher what they might have contained. 5 Beyond the city and its pastures, the hymn also reveals new details about the lives of women in Babylon Credit: Anmar A. Fadhil and Enrique Jiménez
Shafaq News
28-06-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Gen Z: Caught between a digital future and fragile realities
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Generation Z grew up online—but not in peace. Born between 1997 and 2012, this generation—often called Zoomers or digital natives—is the first to come of age in a world shaped by the internet, smartphones, and social media. Globally, this has given Gen Z unique tools to adapt and innovate. But in Iraq, their digital fluency collides with a reality shaped by war, political dysfunction, economic hardship, and institutional stagnation. A Generation Born Into Disruption Gen Z worldwide is known for its diversity, comfort with technology, and progressive values. Yet in Iraq, these traits must adapt to a dramatically different environment—one marked by decades of instability, limited civic space, and underdeveloped infrastructure. Dr. Ahmed Al-Dhahabi, a psychology professor at the University of Baghdad, told Shafaq News that Iraq's Gen Z exhibits 'traits of digital innovation and global awareness, but also high levels of anxiety due to socioeconomic uncertainty and generational disconnect.' By late 2024, over 36% of Iraqis aged 18 to 35—most of whom fall within Gen Z—were unemployed, according to data from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Recent graduates have been hit hardest. This structural mismatch between education and labor market demand is pushing many young Iraqis to pursue self-employment, digital entrepreneurship, or even emigration. Mental Health: A Silent Crisis In Iraq, as in much of the region, Gen Z faces mounting mental health challenges. UNICEF's 2021 State of the World's Children report revealed that over 37% of youth in MENA countries reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. These numbers may be even higher in Iraq, where stigma and lack of mental health infrastructure often mask the true scale of the problem. Dr. Mohammed Hareeb, a specialist in educational psychology, notes that 'the fast pace of digital transformation combined with traditional social structures has created a mental strain not faced by older generations.' These patterns echo global findings. A 2023 McKinsey & Company study found that Gen Z is the most emotionally burdened generation, with one in two reporting persistent stress. In Iraq, the pressures are even more acute due to conflict, restricted social freedoms, and increasing surveillance of online activity. The internet may be a refuge, but it is no substitute for institutional support. The Digital Divide and Cultural Drift As Iraqi Gen Z becomes increasingly global in its language, aesthetics, and aspirations, it clashes with a local culture that remains largely conservative and slow to change. This dissonance has created a noticeable intergenerational gap. Dr. Hassan Hamdan, a psychologist and social researcher, tells Shafaq News that 'Gen Z in Iraq internalizes all tools of technology and globalization into their personality. Their immersion in virtual reality has deeply reshaped their mental frameworks, communication styles, and ways of dealing with others and the world around them.' He adds that the cultural nutrients shaping this generation are entirely different from those of previous generations. 'Social interaction has shifted away from tribal or familial roots and toward global digital networks.' While every society has its own cultural context, Hamdan emphasizes that Iraqi Gen Z has absorbed external values while using social media to challenge domestic traditions. 'This generation often distances itself from Iraqi values and adopts global ideas in their place,' he says. This transformation, however, comes at a cost. 'Gen Z is more flexible than earlier generations, but this same flexibility has also created problems,' Hamdan explains. 'Their disconnect from older generations has disrupted parenting styles and undermined shared social understanding.' A Desire for Independence—and Escape Many Iraqi Gen Zers express a desire to emigrate—not just in search of work, but to find freedom, self-expression, and personal growth. Saja Saddam, born in 2006, says one of her main challenges is the generational gap between her and her older siblings. 'There's a significant difference in the way we think,' she tells Shafaq News. 'It often makes it hard to relate to them.' Saja has been financially independent since the age of ten. Today, she runs an online clothing business and has graduated from a music studies institute—a reflection of Gen Z's entrepreneurial and artistic tendencies. Meanwhile, Mohammed Al-Zubaidi, born in 2010, reflects a different slice of the same generation. 'My world revolves around PlayStation and Xbox. I don't enjoy interacting with people in public places like playgrounds,' he says. 'I think about emigrating. There are ideas I can't pursue in Iraq, and I see migration as the best way to improve my life.' Enter Generation Alpha: The Next Digital Natives As Iraq begins to grapple with the transformation of Gen Z, Generation Alpha—those born from 2013 onward—is already growing up with deeper exposure to AI, gamified learning, and fully immersive digital platforms. Globally, UNESCO expects Alphas to be the most formally educated and technologically embedded generation in history. In Iraq, Gen Alpha is beginning to interact with tools like virtual learning environments, smart devices, and AI-driven content. Yet without immediate investment in education, mental health, and civic inclusion, experts warn that this generation risks inheriting the same frustrations—and possibly worse—from their Gen Z predecessors. Dr. Al-Dhahabi cautions, 'If we fail to redesign education, mental health services, and economic inclusion, Generation Alpha may inherit frustration—not progress.'
