UNESCO CHAIR For Inter-Religious Dialogue Studies in The Islamic World
Ms. Aliya Abdullah Abdul Zahra, a member of the UNESCO Chair, participated in the international virtual symposium on “The Semiotic Approach: Theory and Application”, organized by the College of Education for Women at the University of Kufa, Department of Arabic Language. The symposium featured a lecture by Dr. Omar Atiq from Al-Quds Open University, Palestine, and was attended by a large number of faculty members and professors from the University of Kufa and other universities.
The symposium was held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 9:00 PM Iraq time.
The discussion focused on the semiotic approach, which analyzes literary texts, and its application to Ghada Al-Samman’s novel “A Masquerade Party for the Dead: Mosaic of Beirut Madness, A Vacation in Beirut”. The novel delves into the Lebanese Civil War and sectarian conflict in Beirut, comparing two time periods: wartime and post-war peace, while exploring the symbolism of civil violence and the aftermath of war.
The symposium examined the semiotics of the text, the book cover, and its psychological implications regarding the post-war era. Several participants engaged in discussions about the role of the semiotic approach in clarifying the significance of the title and symbols. The session was marked by eloquent responses and active engagement from the moderators and attendees.
Additionally, the symposium showcased a collection of visual artworks laden with semiotic themes of symbolism, strength, and resilience, enriching the discussion with artistic interpretations.
