Students of the French section at the College of Law – University of Baghdad organized the first Iraqi Francophone Cultural Festival at the college on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The event aimed to strengthen the interaction between the French language and the legal field, and to promote cultural and intellectual openness between Iraq and the Francophone world. This initiative represented a distinguished student-led effort, supported by the college administration, to develop students’ linguistic and legal skills within an integrated academic and cultural framework.
The festival began with a welcome address, followed by the national anthem, and a speech by the Dean of the College, Professor Dr. Ali Hadi Atiya. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of such activities in supporting the academic process and enhancing prospects for cultural and intellectual cooperation. He praised the French section as a pioneering educational experience that contributes to refining students’ linguistic and legal competencies and opens broader horizons for engagement with comparative legal systems, particularly in Francophone countries, thereby improving their future academic and professional opportunities.
The festival program included a variety of activities. A documentary film about the French section was presented, highlighting its achievements and its role in developing students’ capabilities.
Students also performed a mock courtroom scene simulating a financial fraud case, demonstrating the practical application of legal concepts.
The event featured a recitation of the poem “Liberté” by Paul Éluard, reflecting themes of freedom and human dignity. In addition, a theatrical performance adapted from the play Antigone by Jean Anouilh was presented, focusing on the conflict between justice and duty.
The festival concluded with a patriotic song expressing a spirit of belonging and pride in national identity, followed by words of appreciation for all participants and supporters.
This festival serves as a distinguished platform for showcasing students’ creativity and for promoting values of justice and cultural dialogue, contributing to the strengthening of intellectual exchange and openness to global cultures.
