Sulaymaniya, Iraq — November 11, 2024 — In observance of Armistice Day, English Department organized a thought-provoking academic workshop titled “November 11: A Literary Journey Through World War I & the Armistice Day” on November 11, 2024, at the university’s Seminars Hall. The event combined scholarly presentations, literary discussions, and creative activities, providing a reflective space for students and faculty to commemorate the historical significance of Armistice Day.
The workshop featured three distinguished keynote speakers:
Tafan Kamal Kareem, a faculty member at Cihan University, began the event with a lecture on the history of World War I and Armistice Day celebrations in British literature. She explored how the war influenced literary works, particularly poetry, and the ways in which British writers have commemorated the sacrifices made during the conflict.
Rezhen Nawzad Latif, a teaching staff from University of Sulaimania, followed with a presentation on the weapons used during World War I. Latif provided insights into the technological advancements that shaped the war and discussed the emotional depth of Wilfred Owen’s poetry, focusing on his poignant portrayals of the horrors of trench warfare.
Shaimaa Muhammed Ahmed, another faculty member from Cihan Univeristy- Sulaimaniya, concluded the series of talks with a discussion on female war poets during WWI. She highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of women writers, emphasizing their unique perspectives on grief, loss, and the impact of war.
In addition to the academic talks, students participated in a hands-on activity, crafting handmade poppy flowers—a symbol of remembrance for the soldiers who lost their lives in the war. The poppies were displayed as a tribute to the fallen and served as a visual representation of the day’s solemn reflections.
This event provided a meaningful opportunity for students to engage with the historical, cultural and literary dimensions of World War I, while also fostering creativity and remembrance on this important day.
