Rajaa Hamid Rashid

Iraq – Jumana Al‑Samarrai, an Iraqi woman in her twenties, is one of the prominent young names in the field of artifact restoration and Mesopotamian cultural content creation. She has dedicated her efforts to introducing Mesopotamian civilization, Iraqi antiquities, and historical costumes, through a combination of academic work and modern digital content.

About her beginnings in artifact restoration, Jumana Al‑Samarrai said that entering this field came after she decided to leave the study of dentistry and join the Faculty of Archaeology, driven by love and passion for this world.

She explained that artifact restoration is not just a profession for her; it is "medicine for civilization." She stated that when a restorer brings life back to a damaged artifact, they are not merely restoring an archaeological find but restoring the memory of an entire people. She pointed out that field restoration work is preceded by precise laboratory work using chemicals, devices, and specialized scientific techniques, some of which are extremely hazardous.

She explained that specialists work on extracting salts, treating damage, strengthening artifacts, and protecting them from disintegration, affirming that this field requires precise scientific study, high manual skill, great patience, as well as sound judgment and artistic sense.

Challenges of archaeological work

Regarding the challenges she faced, Jumana Al‑Samarrai noted that she encountered many difficulties, especially as she was sometimes the only woman working on restoration sites or in laboratories. She explained that this field requires significant physical effort and high precision, in addition to handling chemicals that may affect health.

She added that the greatest challenge for a restorer is not only the surrounding conditions but also the constant fear for the artifact itself, because any sharp tool or inappropriate material could cause irreparable damage. She noted that a restorer always lives in a state of anxiety and responsibility, treating the artifact as if it were part of their soul. In addition, there are climate changes, neglect, and encroachments on archaeological sites, not to mention the effects of wars and conflicts that have caused immense damage to Iraq's cultural heritage.

Digital content and identity

Regarding her shift toward digital content creation, she explained that she chose this field because it is the fastest and closest way to reach people, especially given the major transformation imposed by social media. She affirmed that she turned to presenting cultural and Mesopotamian content through digital platforms to convey the Iraqi civilizational message to the world.

She added that she gave lectures, visual content, and field tours introducing Mesopotamian civilization, and noticed wide interaction, especially among young people, which delighted her because, as she described, young people are thirsty to know their roots and identity when information is presented in a modern and accessible way.

She affirmed that all aspects of Mesopotamian history deserve to be highlighted again, because it is the civilization that taught the world the basics of science, knowledge, law, and literature. She pointed out that what is needed today is to present this history with a clear, modern scientific vision, away from superficial presentation and inaccurate information. "Our civilization is not just a past; it is a civilizational foundation that still influences the world today."

As a content creator, Jumana Al‑Samarrai affirmed her constant commitment to choosing well‑grounded topics that highlight creative Mesopotamian thought, whether related to clothing, women, kings, sciences, literature, or poetry. She relies primarily on reliable academic sources, including books by prominent archaeologists, in addition to foreign sources which she translates and simplifies for the audience, based on her belief that cultural content should be both enjoyable and accurate.

Regarding historical Mesopotamian costumes, she said that she reaches their minute details by studying cuneiform texts, sculptures, archaeological finds, and specialized books on clothing and adornment in Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian civilizations. She added that each era has its own identity in dress, colors, and decorations, and she carefully distinguishes between them with scientific precision.

Between authenticity and modernity

She said that she loves blending ancient Mesopotamian character with contemporary taste by designing cloaks and costumes that carry symbols and visual language inspired by ancient Iraqi civilization, so that they become part of daily life and modern identity. She believes in the possibility of combining authenticity and contemporary beauty without compromising either, pointing out that it depends on awareness of the historical source, understanding of modern taste, and the way it is visually presented to the audience.

Community awareness and heritage protection

Jumana Al‑Samarrai stressed the importance of enhancing community awareness from the early stages of education, because protecting antiquities begins with building awareness, not just building fences. She called for supporting real cultural media and involving young people in heritage projects, so that citizens feel that this heritage is part of their personal identity, not just distant historical sites.

She affirmed that there is a clear gap between academic institutions and new media, noting that some content creators present inaccurate archaeological and historical information in pursuit of rapid spread, while academic bodies consider this a danger to historical awareness.

Future projects using artificial intelligence

Regarding her future projects, Jumana Al‑Samarrai revealed that she is working on a number of projects that rely on artificial intelligence technologies to present Mesopotamian civilization in a modern, contemporary way that keeps pace with the digital world.

She explained that she is also working on a cultural program project supported by AI technologies titled "A Voice from Ur," aimed at re‑presenting Iraqi history in a different visual and cognitive style that combines authenticity and modern technology.

In an encouraging message to young Iraqi women wishing to enter the field of heritage, antiquities, or cultural content creation, Jumana Al‑Samarrai affirmed her belief in the ability of Iraqi women to excel in this field, given their cultural awareness and distinctive civilizational sensibility.