The Italian Ambassador Maurizio Greganti in Iraq, awarded the Italian Star (Commander’s rank) to Dr. Bahaa Najm Mahmood, the Manager of the Italian Language Department at the College of Languages at the University of Baghdad for his role in promoting Italian culture extensively in Iraq and for appreciating his significant and profound efforts in this field. The event was attended by the Rector of the University of Baghdad, Pro.Dr.Munir AL-Saadi, along with the Manager of the Quality Assurance and Academic Performance Department at the University of Baghdad, Dr. Omar Al-Fatlawi, Dr. Ali Adnan Mushush, and Ms. Ashraq Abdul Aal, the General Manager of the House of Books and Documents, as well as several faculty members from the College of Languages and other colleges within the university, and in the presence of cultural figures from Iraqi ministries and institutions.
During the ceremony, the Ambassador Maurizio Greganti, in his speech, emphasized that the embassy’s doors in Baghdad are always open to support all cultural activities contributed by Dr. Bahaa Najem Mahmood. He described him as an “expert and lover of Italian language and culture” who has consistently worked to promote them in Iraq and introduce them to the Iraqi society.
In a word during the event, Al-Saadi expressed the University’s pride in its highly qualified professors, who have received the highest honors in their respective academic fields. He called for increased efforts and contributions to elevate the reputation of the university and to enhance its role in the educational process in our country.
It is worth mentioning that this award, which was established in 1914, is usually granted to international figures who contribute to enhancing artistic, literary, and cultural relations between Italy and other countries at various political, economic, and social levels. The “Star of Italy” is the highest Italian decoration awarded by a presidential decree from the President of the Italian Republic to honor outstanding individuals from outside Italy for their roles in rebuilding the state after World War II. At that time, it was known as the “Star of Italian Solidarity” until it was renamed in 2011 to become the “Star of Italy” and is divided into five ranks, starting with Knight and ending with Commander General.
