English teacher participated in the 10th international conference for scientific researches held in Turkey 17 – 18 March 2023. The teachers; professor Ansam Yaroub, Assistant professor Mayada Zuhair, and instructor Noor Abdul Sahib presented a research entitled “The Underworld In Mesopotamian Literature with Reference to Ishtar’s Descendant to the Underworld”
The importance of the research lies in Mesopotamian underworld as the oldest literary concept of the land of the dead in mythology. The aim of the research is to shed the light on the significant elements of this world concentrating on its description according to famous Akkadian epic of Ishtar’s descent to the Underworld. The research also aims at highlighting the differences in this portrayal compared to other famous epics and myths. The researchers analyzed the character of Ereshkigal, the goddess of the underworld, as a female leader of the underworld, the rules with which she governed the underworld, her dwelling palace, the creatures and demons who lived in her realm; Lamashtu, Pazuzu, and galla. The epic beautifully portray the dead and how differently they are treated according to their state at death and burial rituals. The researchers concluded that many of this Mesopotamian underworld concepts is borrowed by other mythologies in addition to some of this ancient epic pagan beliefs still exist till this day in amulets and talismans symbols.
At the end of the conference, the participants received certificates of appreciation.