Humanities Journal of University of Zakho

A THREEFOLD RELENTLESS RIVALRY: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MASCULINITY AND NARRATIVE RELIABILITY IN MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN OR THE MODERN PROMETHEUS

Hogar N. Abdullah — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This paper delves into the intricacies of the multilayered narrative aspects of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus to draw connections between reliability and the assertive power of masculinity. The narrative unfolds in accordance with the appearance of Rebert Walton, Victor Frankenstein and the monster in the novel respectively. Through a three-leveled narrative, Shelley represents an interconnected story that provokes readers’ sense of curiosity to untangle it by following its main male characters’ plot lines. She painstakingly makes the readers engrossed in a close observation of how these characters compete to demonstrate the trustworthiness of their stories as an attempt to construct their status as men of integrity. While the three male characters take turns in narrating the story, their efforts of being able to make their narratee(s) believe their stories remains a key task for them. The three narrators are portrayed in a fierce rivalry; each trying to add credibility to their narrative and outdo the others. That is, they strive to defy masculine subordination by presenting the most reliable version of events. This paper posits that for these characters to assert their masculine power, they rely on being believed, understood, and most importantly, accepted by other characters. Accordingly, the paper adopts narrative theory to explore certain concepts of masculinity studies. It argues that the masculinity of these characters is constructed vis-à-vis the reliability of their narrative in the novel. The consequences of the relentless competition between these men are often dire and their pursuit of male hierarchy leads to calamities.

ETHICAL INTEGRATIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EFL LEARNING: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND FAIR ASSESSMENT (STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVE)

Alya O. Muhammad, Idrees A. Hasan — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English foreign language learning (EFLL), focusing on its potential benefits, accompanying challenges, and its implications for fair assessment practices. Using a mixed-methods research design, data were collected from 98 undergraduate students at the University of Zakho to understand their perceptions and use of AI-driven tools. The findings show a common embracing and a positive reception of AI for language development, particularly in writing and speaking. However, concerns regarding academic integrity, overreliance on AI, and the reliability of AI-generated content were also prominent. Despite these challenges, students confirmed awareness of ethical considerations and braced for implementing institutional guidelines. The study concludes that while AI grasps transformative potential for EFL learning, its integration must be directed by ethical principles, educator training, and inclusive policies to ensure equitable and responsible use.

THE METAPHORICAL CHARACTER IN THE NOVEL (KAF) ACCORDING TO THE SEMIOLOGICAL THEORY (PHILIP HAMON)

Nergiz M. Ghaffar, Bayan A. Hussein — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The novel, as a literary genre that includes a group of metaphorrical characters, has been the subject of theoretical and applied research, particularly in narrative semiotics criticism, especially in the theory of Philippe Hamon. One of the main features of the metaphorical character is that it embodies human emotions, both positive and negative, which express love, hope, hatred, anxiety, and more, which prompts the reader to reflect and interpret. This character is not a foreign or isolated element within the text but is rather connected to all other elements and narrative types, acting as an active agent in the narrative cycle. It also relates directly to the novel's theme and plot. Naturally, the novel's text includes a wide range of characters. This study attempts to analyze and interpret the metaphorical character in the novel ( Kaf )by the author( Diyar Ardani). The central question is: does the character in the novel embody the characteristics of a metaphorical character as defined by Philippe Hamon's theory? The study ultimately concludes that elements such as hatred, pessimism, and despair give way to happiness, hope, and inner peace within the character. In practical examples, it was evident that each signifier pointed clearly to a specific meaning.

CRITICAL CONTEXTUALISM OF HALABJA LAUKI TEXT, ACCORDING TO MURRAY KRIEGER'S THEORY

Hemin R. Abdullah, Halmat B. Rasool — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In addition to the initial understandings of the outside of the text, another direction, is to analyse literary texts in the modern American criticism using specific critical tools under the name of modern context or contextualism. In the beginning of the mid-twentieth century, the US critic Morra Criger used his theoretical ideas in the light of the concept of context by using new formalism and new criticism, naming it modern context or contextualism. Modern context or contextualism is a critical tool for analysing and understanding the literary text, added another dimension to the literary texts analysis. Based on this view, the title of research (Modern Contextual Analysis of the Text of Laoki Helbaja, According to the Views of Murray Krieger's Theory) a well-known text of Kurdish poet Rafiq Sabir, based on the critical descriptive method and in the light of Murray Chriger's theory and its tools and procedures. Through its tools and procedures, we analyse the symbols and metaphors resulting from language and its structures within the text, their contextual connotations within the language itself, and their expressive capacities for meanings and symbols.

EXPLORING KURDISH EFL TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON TEACHING RELATIVE CLAUSES THROUGH TASK-BASED LANGUAGE TEACHING

Angela O. Zaya , Shivan Sh. Toma — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Few studies have investigated teachers’ views on the use of the Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) approach in teaching grammar structures. However, no study has specifically examined the use of this approach in the University of Duhok context. Thus, this study addresses the gap by exploring English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ perceptions of instruction and evaluating its effective use in teaching relative clauses. Therefore, 30 EFL teachers who teach English grammar from various colleges of the University of Duhok participated in the study by completing a closed-and open-ended questionnaire to provide their opinions on the use of TBLT in teaching relative clauses. A mixed-method approach was used with quantitative and qualitative data collected via questionnaires. The findings indicate that English EFL grammar teachers at the University of Duhok generally hold positive attitudes towards the use of TBLT in teaching English relative clauses and demonstrate familiarity with its principles. However, they also identify key challenges in task design and offer insightful recommendations for its development.

THE ASSYRIAN MERCHANT'S ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL ROLE IN ANATOLIA (1939-1840 BC)

Iman K. Saleem, Hivi S. Issa — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study is an attempt to shed light on an important aspect of the economic life in Mesopotamia in the Land of Assur during the second millennium B.C. which is the trade and merchant (Tamkaru) who was the focus of commercial activity in the city and enjoying a prominent economic and social status especially in the second millennium B.C because of the expansion of his job and nature of his work in away that non of the Mesopotamia’s era could reach and the role of the Assyrian kings supporting Tamkaru to carry out royal trade for the benefit of the palace to deliver messages and conclude treaties (mamitum) with the rulers of the cities of Anatolia.

GEO POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN AND ITS IMPACT ON ROMAN MILITARY STRATEGY (264–27 BC)

Farsa A. Hussein , Kamran M. Jalal — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This Study explores the interaction between the geopolitics of the Mediterranean and the trajectory of Roman military strategic policy during the period 264-27 BCE, a pivotal historical period in Rome's transformation from a regional power within the Italian peninsula to a dominant force in the Mediterranean. The study examines the geographical and geopolitical attributes of the Mediterranean and their influence on Roman military conception of strategy and ideology, with a particular emphasis on geopolitical positions in both the eastern and western regions of the sea. Additionally, this study explores the impact of conflicts with Carthage, Macedonia, and the Hellenistic kingdoms, which shaped the trajectory of Roman strategic decisions. The research aims to elucidate the geopolitical dimension of the Mediterranean Sea and its effect on the development of Roman naval strategy, based on a historical-analytical approach to the understanding of historical events. The study concludes that Roman dominance in the Mediterranean and the adaptation of military strategy were necessitated by geopolitical factors and significantly contributed to the success of the imperial project. Supremacy in the Mediterranean was not only of military importance but also crucially formed the backbone of the subsequent Roman economy.

THE ROLE OF THE KURDISH WITNESSES(ADOUL) IN EGYPT AND THE LEVANT DURING THE MAMLUK ERA (648-923 AH/1250-1516 AD)

Solaf H. Ali, Lolav M. Salim — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Kurds played a prominent role in Islamic history across political, military, and civil spheres. Among their most significant contributions was the role of judicial deputies (dîdevan), a vital necessity in societal life. Throughout historical periods, especially during the Mamluk era, Kurds held distinguished positions in the judiciary. Many Kurdish judicial officials emerged, and their names were recorded. This study focuses on the role of Kurdish deputies, who served as assistants to judges. It identifies the necessary conditions these officials had to meet to hold office, highlighting their exemplary traits: integrity, justice, humility, knowledge, and wisdom. They fully satisfied all judicial prerequisites and their role was similar to that of present-day judges in courts. Due to the demands of the judiciary, deputies were appointed based on merit to serve and perform judicial duties. Thus, they earned the trust of rulers to carry out this responsibility. Rulers relied heavily on them to resolve legal matters. During Mamluk rule, their role expanded significantly. Due to the state’s need for court officials, they were appointed to specific positions, particularly in Egypt and the Syrian regions (Levant), where judicial duties were performed. These appointed deputies ensured that state affairs progressed more efficiently, securely, and reliably.

THE PRELIMINARY DECLARATIVE SENTENCE IN THE DIWAN OF AL-ʿUTBI AL-QURASHI: SELECTED SAMPLES (A RHETORICAL-ANALYTICAL STUDY)

Hivi I. Jangir, Muthanna M. Ismail — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This research presents a detailed study of the preliminary declarative sentence in the Diwan of al-‘Utbi, an Abbasid poet considered one of the obscure figures in Arabic literature. Despite his limited fame, he left a notable impact on Arabic poetry. In recent years, Professor Dr. Mujahid Mustafa Bahjat compiled al-‘Utbi’s verses into a comprehensive volume that preserves his poetic legacy. This scholarly effort marked a significant step in reviving interest in the poet and opened the door for further rhetorical and literary analysis of his work. The study focuses on the initial statement—a type of declarative sentence addressed to a recipient who neither denies nor doubts the information conveyed. Because the context does not require confirmation, the statement is presented without emphasis tools. This kind of statement is directed at someone unaware of the content or judgment being conveyed; once received, the information naturally settles in the listener’s mind without the need for reinforcement, as it initiates meaning in the psyche. This will be the focus of our study. The study highlights al-‘Utbi’s careful attention to the psychological state of his addressee and how it guides his stylistic choices—whether to emphasize or to present plainly—based on the listener’s anticipated reaction: denial, acceptance, or hesitation. Moreover, such statements in his poetry serve not only to inform but also to express figurative meanings shaped by context, allowing emotional insights such as sorrow, joy, pride, or caution to emerge.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND SERVICE CONDITIONS IN ZAKHO DISTRICT THROUGH IRAQI ROYAL DOCUMENTS (1935-1952) A HISTORICAL STUDY

Ali O. Shukri — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Zakho District (currently part of Dohuk Governorate) is considered one of the important districts not only for southern Kurdistan but also for Iraq and the region as well, as it occupies an important geostrategic location that represents the gateway to the commercial region. It is located between Iraq, Turkey and Syria, and during the study period it was part of Mosul Brigade. The importance of the study is that it addresses an important era in the city’s history through reports that talk about the administrative and service conditions of the district through what was recorded by administrative inspectors during their visit to the district and their review of its conditions. The employees working in the administrative and service corps in the district, such as the district governor, municipality, health personnel and government buildings, were recorded, indicating the district’s need for employees, modern buildings and furniture for government institutions. These reports also indicated the importance of expanding health services and providing potable water, as polluted water was a cause of the spread of diseases. They also indicated the lighting of the district, which needed vital projects and the provision of electrical energy, and the importance of repairing transportation and communication roads and other services operating in the distric.

DETERMINATION OF BAHDINI DIALECT SPEAKERS’ PERCEPTION IN ZAKHO CITY

Hala H. Younis, Salwa F. Salih — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study presents an investigation into the perceptual dialectology and speakers’ attitudes of Zakho Bahdini dialect speakers concerning various Bahdini dialect variations within Duhok province. The primary objective was to ascertain the degree of awareness and attention paid by individuals to language and dialect differences within their linguistic landscape. A quantitative research design was employed, involving 50 participants who are citizens of Zakho and native Bahdini dialect speakers. Data were collected via a structured survey utilizing three distinct Duhok maps as stimuli. Participants rated dialect variations based on three criteria: Dialect Difference (on a 1-4 scale), Social Prestige (on a 1-7 scale), and Degree of Preference (on a 1-7 scale). The collected data were subsequently analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Analysis revealed a significant perceived difference between Zakho and Kalak dialects regarding Dialect Differences, a perception attributed to geographical distance, cultural, and tribal distinctions. Furthermore, Zakho citizens demonstrated the lowest social prestige for the Shekhan dialect. Conversely, Semel and Akree dialects were identified as the first and second most preferred, respectively, concerning the Degree of Preference.

PRINCIPLES OF MODERNITY IN KURDISH DRAMA (KHONEK LE DEHREVE BAZNED)

Abdul Rahman A. Hassan Shengali — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This research, entitled "Principles of Modernity in Kurdish Drama (Khonek Le Dehreve Bazneda) as a Model," attempts to demonstrate the basic principles of Western modernity, the extent of their influence on literary texts in Kurdish drama, and how to employ them, from both theoretical and practical perspectives. It is based on the principle that Kurdish literature in general, and drama in particular, are an extension of the contemporary human thought movement and are not cut off from Western modernity, but are influenced by its most important fundamental principles. Their reflections on the writer's self are evident in the depths of their literary productions, directly or indirectly. In the folds of this research, we have addressed modernity in terms of terminology and concept, in addition to demonstrating the most important basic principles upon which Western modernity was built, such as (subjectivity, rationalism, nihilism, individualism, and the use of science in literature), and applying them to the dramatic collection (Khonek Le Dehreve Bazneda) by the writer (Halkat Idris). In our conclusions, we concluded that Kurdish drama is a contemporary literary genre, not disconnected from modernity. The most important general principles are present within it, whether as an escape from reality, or as alienation and rebellion within the writer, or as a product of his awareness of these intellectual and philosophical trends. This research consists of two chapters. The first deals with modernity as a concept and term, as well as its history and the reasons for its emergence in the West. The second chapter is an applied study of the principles of modernity in Kurdish drama texts, in addition to the results and sources consulted.

SKY IN THE CIVILIZATION OF ANCIENT IRAQ

Abdullah S. Ahmed, Aziz Mohammed Aziz Al-Zebari — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Researches about the ancient civilization of Iraq has a great importance because it carries a hight place in an ancient world, as for the first time writing, planting, religious beliefs, and the early democratic system has appeared in ancient Iraq…etc. many cultures appeared before the history which caused its development. Ancient Iraq as a country and a system has looked for cosmic phenomena because human lives were filled with risks and natural disasters. Humans lived for a long time, thus, during their lives they tried to know their origins and destiny. Their understanding was limited and their observations were focused on what was around them. They believed in the existence of strange creatures. These creatures caused illness, hunger, fear, and death. In fear of death and dangerous incidents, they sought refuge in the mercy of gods in order to earn their approval. In beliefs of ancient Iraq, the sky had a crucial importance, because it was the residence of powerful gods, the symbol of rise, a centre of many activities, and was directly connected to gods. Obeying decisions of gods of the sky caused the occurrence of blessings, while disobeying them caused the punishment because it was the source of many disasters, the cause of fear, death, and destructions. The myths of Sumerian and Akkadian were about many subjects, including the organization of the universe, the birth of the gods, the curse and love, the rivalry of the gods, their plans, their holiness, and their curses. They also addressed the life after death, stories, and heroic deeds. In the creation of Babylon, the story of Gilgamesh, and the story of the flood, the sky played an important role, particularly the god Anu because of its position in the minds and hearts of the people of ancient Iraq.

THE LEGITIMACY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KURDISH STATE - A SHARIA-BASED OBJECTIVE STUDY

Masoud K. Mohammed Ibrahim, Ayad Kamil Ibrahim — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to explore the legitimacy of the establishment of a Kurdish state from the perspective of Islamic law, within an integrated methodological framework that combines text-based legal foundations and the objectives of the tolerant Islamic law. The study is based on the firm premise that Islamic law is characterized by its comprehensiveness across all aspects of human life, including belief, worship, ethics, and transactions, and that it is indivisible and indivisible. The study addresses the issue from multiple perspectives: doctrinal, ethical, and political-legal. It seeks to ground the project of establishing a Kurdish state in definitive and established texts from the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah, which are the two primary sources of Islamic legislation. The study also highlights the pivotal role of valid ijtihad evidence, such as custom, public interest (maslahah) that serves all Muslims, and the objectives of Islamic law, in constructing a comprehensive legal conception of the legitimacy of the establishment of a Kurdish state. The study also addresses the most prominent doubts raised about this proposal, working to refute them and provide responses in a sound and rigorous scientific manner. The study concludes that the demand for a Kurdish state is not merely a political aspiration, but rather represents—in light of precise Sharia and objective criteria—a pressing Sharia necessity in light of the current political and social reality. This affirmation comes in fulfillment of the major and supreme objectives of Sharia, the original and essential ones, foremost among which are the establishment of comprehensive justice, the preservation of the five necessities (religion, life, reason, lineage, and wealth), and the realization of the principle of complete equality among Muslims in rights and duties.

The THE KURDISH EPIC BETWEEN FOLKLORE AND CLASSICAL LITERATURE: THE EPICS OF (MAM AND ZIN) AND (ZANBIL FROSH) AS A MODEL

Hersh T. Nuri, Bakir Sh. Abdullah — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The epic, as a literary genre, narrates a lengthy experience and is structured according to poetic forms. This genre holds significant value and importance in Kurdish literature, with its roots tracing back to ancient times among the Kurdish people. It has served as a mirror and echo of the victories and defeats of the Kurdish nation, while also documenting Kurdish history. Initially, Kurdish epics consisted of various verses and poetic compositions, recited by poets and folk singers. The Kurds celebrated these narratives, which evolved through their contributions. Over time, this form of art became a fundamental and robust foundation for another literary genre. Kurdish poets transformed the oral verses and folk poetry, traditionally shared verbally among people, into an advanced and developed literary form through the process of transcription. This transition marked a shift from oral tradition to written expression, as these verses were recorded, thus elevating them from the realm of oral narration to that of literature. Subsequently, they were re-recorded and disseminated within the framework of classical literature. This research, titled "The Kurdish Epic Between Folkloric and Classical Literature: The Case of Mem and Zin and Zembil Farosh," addresses the literary significance of folkloric and classical epics both in content and form. It aims to theoretically and practically interpret these epics while distinguishing between them. Through this study, we have sought to analyze the Kurdish literary epics and differentiate them through the term "epic," as applied to classical epics, particularly focusing on "Mem and Zin" by the poet Ahmad Khani, which serves as a primary reference. Additionally, we utilize verses from "Zembil Farosh" in our analysis. In conclusion, we arrived at the following findings: the verses of "Zembil Farosh" are imbued with religious content, while the epic "Mem and Zin" is centered around themes of love and romance, albeit expressed in divergent forms and styles.

CHALLENGES OF TEACHING ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION ENCOUNTERED BY KURDISH EFL TEACHERS AT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Jwan A. Mustafa, Aveen M. Hasan — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the challenges faced by Kurdish teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) when teaching English pronunciation in public schools across the Duhok governorate of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Despite more than twelve years of dedicated English study, many Kurdish EFL learners continue to experience difficulty in achieving native-like pronunciation, indicating persistent shortcomings in current instructional practices. Adopting a mixed-methods design, the research collected data from 50 teachers working in eleven public schools through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and classroom observations. The results reveal that, although teachers acknowledged the central role of accurate pronunciation in effective communication, both internal and external factors impede instruction. Key external constraints include limited classroom time, insufficient instructional resources, inadequate coverage of pronunciation in textbooks, and a lack of institutional training opportunities. Internally, teachers tended to focus predominantly on segmental features of pronunciation, employed limited pedagogical techniques, and often prioritized grammar instruction over pronunciation. Nevertheless, many teachers reported strong motivation and confidence in their own phonological knowledge. The study concludes that strengthening pronunciation instruction in Kurdish EFL contexts requires the provision of richer instructional resources, enhanced teacher professional development, and the integration of more comprehensive pronunciation content into the curriculum.