As part of our center’s ongoing scientific activities, and with administrative support, the Workshops and Seminars Committee, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Hana Hani Al-Saffar, organized a discussion session on Thursday, February 27, 2025, titled “Fish in the Civilization of Mesopotamia.” The session was moderated by Senior Head of Agricultural Engineers, Enas Abdul Khalifa, and presented by Assistant Lecturer Wassan Jalil Ibrahim.
Assistant Lecturer Ibrahim highlighted the crucial role of rivers as water resources in Mesopotamia, particularly in the central and southern regions. She detailed the classification of fish habitats into rivers, lakes, marshes, and the Arabian Gulf. The historical significance of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers was emphasized, noting their Sumerian and Akkadian names and their vital contribution to the region’s fertility and development. The formation of the Shatt al-Arab River at their confluence was also discussed.
The presentation categorized fish depicted in cuneiform drawings into:
- Freshwater Fish: including eel, Ophichthys ahl, various bream species, carp, and koi.
- Saltwater Fish: including silver bream, dakok, great pigeon, kingfish, sea bream, right tongue, eastern bream, pink bream, and Indian wrasse.
The session aimed to elucidate the economic, religious, and nutritional importance of fish in Mesopotamian civilization, as well as the impact of water resources on both population and fish stocks.
Key recommendations from the discussion included:
- Prioritizing the preservation of both freshwater and saltwater resources, ensuring their cleanliness.
- Protecting native fish populations by preventing the introduction of harmful invasive species.
We extend our best wishes to all center faculty members for their continued success in serving the community, science, and knowledge.