Επιμέλεια: Εύα Πετροπούλου Λιανού
Najaf Al-Ashraf Iraq | Aziz Al-Yahya
At a time marked by rapid intellectual transformations growing ideological polarization and increasing uncertainty surrounding identity and knowledge frameworks in the Middle East the fifth edition of the Bidayat Al-Ma’arif Course has emerged as an academic initiative aimed at enhancing critical thinking and intellectual resilience among university students.
The program was organized by Taybah Center for Thought and Knowledge under the patronage of the Holy Alawiya Shrine and in cooperation with the University Communication Association. It was held in Najaf Al-Ashraf from January 26 to January 30 2026 and targeted university students from various academic disciplines.
Designed as an integrated academic framework the course focused on three core areas epistemology foundational belief systems and critical studies of Western thought. The objective was to equip students with analytical tools enabling them to navigate contemporary intellectual challenges and engage with global knowledge debates from a position of awareness and balance.
The course opened with a keynote lecture titled The Search for Knowledge delivered by senior scholar Sayyid Ahmed Al-Ishkouri who emphasized the role of knowledge in human development and the importance of reasoned inquiry within ethical and intellectual traditions.
Over the following days specialized academic sessions were delivered by a group of lecturers addressing epistemology critical analysis of Western intellectual models and doctrinal foundations through structured lectures and interactive discussions. The academic environment encouraged dialogue questioning and reflective engagement.
Participants underwent continuous academic assessment with top-performing students recognized for their academic achievement. The program also incorporated dialogue forums professional development activities and peer networking sessions designed to enhance communication skills and collaborative learning.
Students participating in the course described the experience as intellectually transformative highlighting its role in reorganizing concepts strengthening identity and providing methodological tools for critical engagement with contemporary thought.
The fifth edition of Bidayat Al-Ma’arif represents a sustainable academic model that positions Najaf Al-Ashraf as an emerging hub for knowledge production critical dialogue and youth intellectual empowerment in the region.
