On behalf of the university president, Assistant President Dr. Ziad Zureikat sponsored a symposium organized by the late Samir Rifai Chair for Jordanian Studies in cooperation with the Faculty of Media, entitled "Journalism as a Source in the Study of Jordanian History." A group of researchers and specialists participated in the symposium. Dr. Zureikat emphasized that this symposium reflects Yarmouk University's leading role in addressing various national issues and its engagement with the local community. He highlighted the university's pioneering role in this field and its tireless efforts to advance society culturally, politically, and socially, stressing that Yarmouk will remain a beacon of knowledge through its mission of education, scientific research, and community service. For his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and holder of the Chair, Dr. Muhammad Anaqrah, stated that this symposium represents a genuine opportunity to explore and appreciate the pivotal role that Jordanian journalism has played over the decades in documenting the national journey. He noted that Jordanian journalism has always been a mirror reflecting Jordan's events and documenting those historical moments that shaped the features of our modern state. Hence, the importance of this symposium lies in its focus on how journalism can be used as a research tool. A key component in studying Jordan's history and understanding its past more deeply.
He added, "We fully realize that journalism is not merely a medium for conveying news and information, but rather an integral part of the nation's collective memory. Through journalism, we can access details of historical events and learn about people's opinions and stances at different times. Jordanian journalism has witnessed all the stages Jordan has gone through since its founding, providing an accurate and objective account of the events and developments the nation has experienced."
During the events, which were attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Media, Dr. Amjad Al-Qadi, Dr. Alaa Saadeh presented a paper titled "The Emirate of Transjordan in 1927 as Reflected in the Arab University Newspaper," while Dr. Jabr Al-Khatib presented a paper titled "Arabism and Islam in the Speeches of King Hussein bin Ali: Al-Qibla Newspaper as a Source, 1916-1919."
Dr. Awda Al-Shara'a also presented a paper titled "Al-Kawkab Newspaper as a Source for the History of the Levant and Transjordan in the Period 1916-1919." Dr. Khuzaym Al-Khaldi presented a paper titled "Investigative Journalism in the Era of His Majesty King Abdullah II: Prospects and Challenges," while Dr. Ismat Haddad addressed... His paper discussed the history and development of Jordanian journalism.
At the end of the seminar, a wide-ranging discussion took place regarding the topic and the issues it addressed.
