25 August 2026
Babil documentary film on its festival journey: Finalist at the 20th Architecture and Urban Films Festival
The documentary film “Babil,” realized under the leadership of Istanbul Gelişim University (IGU) through the collaborative efforts of academics, students, and filmmakers from Türkiye and Iraq, achieved an important success on its international festival journey. The film was selected from among 751 productions from 88 countries and became a finalist at the 20th Architecture and Urban Films Festival. The documentary’s gala screening had previously been held at the Baghdad Rotana Hotel. Following its gala screening, the production embarked on its journey to national and international film festivals, making a strong start to its festival journey with its finalist achievement.
Babil’s cultural heritage is told through a contemporary cinematic language
The documentary film “Babil” goes beyond being a production focusing solely on the historical and cultural heritage of the ancient Babylonian civilization; it is an international collaborative project that establishes a connection between the past and the future and interprets cultural heritage through contemporary cinematic techniques.
Using a hybrid narrative technique, the documentary was produced with contributions from individuals from different cinematic and academic circles in Türkiye and Iraq. As a collaborative production involving academics, students, and filmmakers, the film brings together art, science, cultural heritage, and international academic cooperation under one roof.
The project aims to contribute to the development of cultural ties between Türkiye and Iraq while also making visible, through cinema, the collaborations between universities and cultural institutions.
A joint product of international cooperation
In addition to Istanbul Gelişim University and academic institutions in Iraq, diplomatic and cultural organizations also played an important role in bringing the documentary to life.
Those who contributed to and supported the project include:
Prof. Dr. Şükran Güzin Ilıcak Aydınalp – Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Acting Rector of Istanbul Gelişim University
Dr. Bülent Deyirmenci – Head of the Public Relations and Promotion Department, Istanbul Gelişim University
Lecturer Ahmet Bikiç – Documentary Film Director, Deputy Head of the Public Relations and Promotion Department, Istanbul Gelişim University
Lecturer Mohammed Abdulqader – Dentist, Istanbul Gelişim University Vocational School of Health Services
Selim Turan – Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Baghdad
İbrahim Özbilgin – Iraq Coordinator, Yunus Emre Institute
Dr. Aqeel Majeed Al-Saadi – President of Al-Hillah University
Dr. Arshad Sabah Hadi – Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Dr. Hazem Jari – Director General, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Dr. Imad Salam Shalakah – Vice President for Scientific Affairs, Al-Hillah University
Dr. Adnan Abbas Al-Rajhi – Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Al-Hillah University
Dr. Ali Mohammed Hadi – Dean, College of Fine Arts
Dr. Huraa Ismail Ghuwaili – Assistant Dean, College of Fine Arts; Head of International Relations and Cultural Affairs
Dr. Saad Kadhim Atiyah – Head of the Department of Cinema and Television
Dr. Dhulfiqar Zuhair Al-Mutairi – Head of the Media Division and Co-Director of the Film.
Dr. Bülent Deyirmenci – Head of the Public Relations and Promotion Department, Istanbul Gelişim University
Lecturer Ahmet Bikiç – Documentary Film Director, Deputy Head of the Public Relations and Promotion Department, Istanbul Gelişim University
Lecturer Mohammed Abdulqader – Dentist, Istanbul Gelişim University Vocational School of Health Services
Selim Turan – Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Baghdad
İbrahim Özbilgin – Iraq Coordinator, Yunus Emre Institute
Dr. Aqeel Majeed Al-Saadi – President of Al-Hillah University
Dr. Arshad Sabah Hadi – Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Dr. Hazem Jari – Director General, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Dr. Imad Salam Shalakah – Vice President for Scientific Affairs, Al-Hillah University
Dr. Adnan Abbas Al-Rajhi – Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Al-Hillah University
Dr. Ali Mohammed Hadi – Dean, College of Fine Arts
Dr. Huraa Ismail Ghuwaili – Assistant Dean, College of Fine Arts; Head of International Relations and Cultural Affairs
Dr. Saad Kadhim Atiyah – Head of the Department of Cinema and Television
Dr. Dhulfiqar Zuhair Al-Mutairi – Head of the Media Division and Co-Director of the Film.
The project also expressed its thanks to all institutions, academics, and stakeholders who contributed to the project, particularly Baghdad Science City University.
Babil’s story is now on the festival stage
Following its gala screening in Baghdad, “Babil” began its festival journey and increased its international visibility by being selected as a finalist at the 20th Architecture and Urban Films Festival. The festival journey of the documentary is expected to contribute to bringing Babylon’s unique cultural heritage to wider audiences, while also creating new opportunities for the development of academic, artistic, and cultural collaborations between Türkiye and Iraq.