President Jalal Talabani Lays the Foundation Stone for the Institute’s Building
President Talabani: I am proud of Najaf and its scholars
Dr. Ibrahim Bahr Al-Uloom: President Jalal Talabani is a man of politics and culture
Al-Alamain Institute for Graduate Studies: A scholarly edifice restoring Najaf’s brilliance in science and literature
1 Safar 1429 AH – February 9, 2008
A historic national day witnessed the gathering of Najaf’s diverse communities along with distinguished guests from Baghdad and northern Iraq, as His Excellency President Jalal Talabani laid the foundation stone for the building of Al-Alamain Institute for Graduate Studies. The ceremony was held at the designated site of the Institute and was attended by His Eminence Dr. Sayyid Muhammad Bahr Al-Uloom, His Eminence Sayyid Ammar Al-Hakim (Secretary-General of the Martyr Al-Mihrab Foundation), representatives of the religious authority, His Eminence Sayyid Sadr Al-Din Al-Qabbanji (Imam of Friday Prayer in Najaf), Mr. Asaad Sultan Abu Kalal (Governor of Najaf), his deputy Mr. Abdul Hussein Abtan, the President and members of the Najaf Provincial Council, the President of the University of Kufa, alongside a large gathering of scholars, tribal leaders, university professors, and representatives of civil society organizations.
Upon his arrival, President Jalal Talabani was received by His Eminence Dr. Sayyid Muhammad Bahr Al-Uloom, Dr. Ibrahim Bahr Al-Uloom, and the Governor of Najaf. The Iraqi national anthem was played, followed by recitations from the Holy Qur’an.
Dr. Ibrahim Bahr Al-Uloom delivered a speech, expressing pride that Najaf—the city of knowledge and politics—was hosting President Jalal Talabani, a man embodying both political and cultural leadership. He emphasized that the President’s presence was not only as Head of State but as a patron and guardian of culture, highlighting the significance of his initiative in supporting this academic project. He noted that Al-Alamain Institute for Graduate Studies, as envisioned by His Eminence Sayyid Bahr Al-Uloom, would serve as a bridge between scholarly traditions and cultural needs, offering research and theses aimed at addressing Iraq’s challenges, and ultimately fostering unity of stance, word, and ranks inspired by the heritage of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
Professor Dr. Abdul Razzaq Al-Issa, President of the University of Kufa, also spoke, reviewing the luminous academic history of Najaf and Kufa universities and their pioneering role in Iraq’s intellectual and cultural life. He recalled the neglect and repression suffered by Najaf under the former regime, which undermined higher education, and welcomed the establishment of Al-Alamain Institute as a new beacon of scholarship. The poet Salam Al-Haidar then recited a poem for the occasion.
President Jalal Talabani, in his address, expressed gratitude to the distinguished audience, affirming Najaf’s historic role in Iraq’s struggle against colonialism, its preservation of Arabic language during Ottoman rule, and its leadership in science and culture. He praised Najaf’s scholars and leaders as figures of global Islamic significance, describing his visit as sacred and pledging to remain a humble servant in pursuit of the goals for which Iraq’s martyrs sacrificed.
Following his speech, President Talabani, accompanied by His Eminence Sayyid Muhammad Bahr Al-Uloom and the distinguished guests, laid the foundation stone for the Institute’s building. The ceremony concluded with the playing of the Iraqi national anthem.
Highlights of the Ceremony:
- The event was broadcast live by Al-Iraqiya TV.
- Two children from Najaf presented bouquets of flowers to President Talabani and His Eminence Sayyid Muhammad Bahr Al-Uloom.
- The military band of Najaf Police performed national pieces in celebration.
- Najaf’s women participated actively, with representatives of institutions and organizations in attendance.
- His Eminence Sayyid Muhammad Bahr Al-Uloom presented President Talabani with a commemorative gift: an artistic piece crafted from precious stones and Najaf pearls, engraved with Qur’anic verses, which the President graciously accepted.