Baghdad, 13–14 December 2025
In December 2025, AREACORE held its first international symposium in Iraq, marking an important milestone for the network. None of the AREACORE coordinators from partner institutions had previously visited the country, and no AREACORE event had been organised there before. The symposium therefore created a unique space for intellectual exchange and first-hand engagement with Iraqi scholars, students and media professionals. It was organised by AREACORE’s coordinator in Iraq, Professor Dr Sahar Khalifa Salem, and her team from the Faculty of Media at Al-Iraqia University.
Day One: Media Developments in Iraq and Kurdistan
The first day focused on journalism and media education in Iraq. The symposium was opened by Dr Fadhil Mohammed Albadrani, Deputy Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities for Cultural Affairs, journalist and Professor of International Communication, who offered a comprehensive overview of the history of the Iraqi press.
Dr Ahmed Abdul Majeed, Editor-in-Chief of the independent newspaper Al-Zaman, followed with an in-depth analysis of Iraq’s media landscape after 2003. While the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime ended Baath Party control and led to a proliferation of new media outlets, he argued that sustaining independent journalism has become increasingly difficult. Political factions continue to fund their own media organisations, leaving little space for genuine independence. Journalists also face ongoing insecurity, the consequences of the war against ISIS and the lack of safe working environments. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards digital and social media, further undermining print journalism. Advertising revenues have declined sharply and are largely absorbed by party-affiliated outlets. Using Al-Zaman as an example, Dr Abdul Majeed described reduced working days, lower salaries and fewer pages as necessary survival strategies.
Dr Ibtisam Ismaeel Qader, Professor of Media at the University of Sulaimanyah in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, presented an overview of Kurdish media development. She traced the origins of Kurdish journalism in the diaspora and described the severe repression experienced under Saddam Hussein. Following Kurdish autonomy in 1991, the region saw rapid media growth, including newspapers, satellite television channels, a journalists’ syndicate and media departments at ten universities. However, she stressed the absence of a public service media model, noting that most outlets remain privately owned and politically affiliated. She also addressed challenges faced by media students and graduates, particularly limited training opportunities and restricted employment prospects.
Dr Kamil Al Qayim and Dr Wefaq Hafedh from Al-Iraqia University discussed the state of media and communication research in Iraq, as well as existing journalism curricula. Their contributions prompted lively debate among participants, especially those from Al-Iraqia University and Baghdad University.
The first day concluded with a presentation by Dr Jad Melki (Lebanese American University, Beirut) on media literacy in contexts of colonialism, war and genocide. He introduced concepts of emancipatory media literacy and critically examined international media coverage of Middle Eastern conflicts, with particular reference to Palestine.
Day Two: Regional Perspectives and Media Literacy
On the second day, the symposium continued at the Faculty of Media at Al-Iraqia University, where dean Dr Ithar Tariq Al-Obeidi warmly welcomed participants. The auditorium was filled with students and academics keen to engage with the AREACORE presentations.
Dr Carola Richter (Freie Universität Berlin) presented findings from her recent field research in Syria, analysing media transformations following the fall of the Assad-regime. She highlighted similarities with Iraq after 2003, including the the challenge of reforming a large former state media sector.
Dr Inas Abouyoussef (Ahram Canadian University, Egypt) discussed her extensive experience in developing media literacy education in Egypt, while Dr Hamida El Bour (La Manouba University, Tunis) presented media literacy initiatives in Tunisia, with a particular focus on the Institut de la Presse et d’Information (IPSI).
Exchange Beyond the Conference Room
The symposium was marked by exceptional hospitality from the Iraqi hosts, particularly Dr Sahar Khalifa Salem and Dr Noor Ali Mukhtadh Kinanah. For most international participants, this was a first visit to Baghdad. Alongside the academic programme, attendees explored the city’s cultural heritage, including a major book fair, Al-Rasheed Street and Al-Mutanabbi Street, Baghdad’s famous book market, as well as Café Shabandar. These visits prompted reflection on Iraq’s recent history, including the 2007 attack on Al-Mutanabbi Street during the period of sectarian violence. Additional visits included Tahrir Square, a boat tour on the Tigris River and the Great Imam Mosque. At the same time, visible security measures such as checkpoints and the Green Zone underscored the fragility of the current stability.
Strengthening the AREACORE Network
Beyond academic exchange, the symposium allowed AREACORE coordinators to meet in person and reflect on past activities, including summer schools, while planning future projects. The Baghdad symposium once again demonstrated the importance of direct personal encounters for fostering deeper understanding of diverse media systems, educational approaches and regional contexts. For all participants, it offered a valuable opportunity to engage with developments in Iraq at first hand.
