University of Cihan Sulaimaniyah/ English department have gathered scholars and enthusiasts from around the different academic and medical institutions on 16th, December, 2023 for an international workshop that explored the dangers associated with extreme tea consumption in Bram Stoker’s literary works. The key speakers were as follows:
- Rezhen Nawzad Lateef (Assis. Lect.)-University of Sulaimaniyah
- Mazhar Ali (lecturer)- University of Turbat/ English Department
- Tafan Kamal Kareem (Assis. Lect.)- Cihan University of Sulaimaniyah/ English Department
- Dr.Hallo Mustafa Ormzyar (Urosurgery specialist doctor)- Doctorate (Arab Board) in kidney, urinary tract, prostate surgery- Sulaimaniyah Shar Hospital.
- Dr. Esra Kamal Shah (Nutrition Specialist) – Licentiate Medical Council of Canada (LMCC)- Sulaimaniyah Diabetes and Endocrine Center.Exploring the intricate details of Stoker’s narratives, participants highlighted how tea rituals play a significant cultural role, drawing attention to the potential health and psychological risks associated with the characters’ excessive tea indulgence. The Workshop shed light on Stoker’s famous literary works Dracula and The Judge’s House, in which both protagonists are driven to the edges of madness due to their lack of sleep arrived from extreme tea consumption.
It provided an opportunity to discuss the evolution of attitudes towards tea and health, comparing historical perceptive with contemporary medical knowledge. This exploration raises awareness about the potential health impacts of tea consumption, addressing issues like caffeine intake, mental health, or possible interactions with modern lifestyles. It also served as a unique lens to bridge literature, historical practices and current health concerns.
This event marked a unique intersection of literary analysis and health awareness, providing a fresh perspective on Stoker’s cultural influences and the impact of seemingly innocuous elements in his works.
