Head of the Mathematics Department letter
Born in the heart of Baghdad, cradled within the burgeoning College of Arts and Sciences in 1949, the Department of Mathematics emerged with a modest spirit and a grand ambition. Six students, a handful of dedicated lecturers, and a shared passion for the elegance of numbers – these were the humble beginnings of a department destined to leave its mark on the mathematical landscape of Iraq.
The early years were a testament to resilience. Juggling a growing student body with limited resources, the department laid its foundation, brick by intellectual brick. Dr. Helmy Samara, the first head of the department, steered through the turbulent winds of change, navigating the transition from a fledgling unit to an independent entity in 1953. The year 1958 marked a watershed moment – with the birth of the College of Science, the department found its permanent home, its faculty expanding with each passing year.
The 1960s and 70s witnessed a golden age of growth. Renowned mathematicians from across the globe joined the ranks, injecting the department with new ideas and research fervor. English became the language of instruction, connecting the Baghdad classroom to the international pulse of mathematics. Textbooks were authored, journals were published, and the department became a beacon of learning, attracting bright minds eager to unlock the secrets of numbers.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Political turmoil and economic hardship tested the department’s resolve. Yet, the spirit of mathematics held firm. Dedicated faculty continued to teach, students persevered in their studies, and research, though hampered, never ceased. The department adapted, Arabizing its curriculum while maintaining its commitment to international standards.
The dawn of the 21st century brought renewed hope. Technology became a powerful tool, supplementing traditional methods and opening doors to global collaboration. The department embraced the digital age, launching online platforms and expanding its reach beyond the confines of Baghdad. Postgraduate programs flourished, producing a new generation of mathematicians equipped to tackle the complexities of the modern world.
Today, the Department of Mathematics stands tall, a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Its alumni grace classrooms, research labs, and boardrooms across Iraq and beyond. Its faculty, a vibrant mix of experience and youthful energy, continues to push the boundaries of knowledge, tackling real-world problems with mathematical finesse.
Looking back, the journey is one of triumph against adversity, of collaboration over division, of innovation fueled by an unwavering dedication to the beauty and power of numbers. The Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Baghdad – a story etched in equations, whispered in theorems, and forever resonating in the minds of those who dare to dream in numbers.
Best Regards
Assistant Professor Dr. Mohammed Sabah Hussein
Head of the department of mathematics