Anbar

Al-Maarif University celebrates 31st anniversary after recovering from ISIS destruction

ANBAR — Al-Maarif University in Anbar celebrated its 31st anniversary with a ceremony attended by students, officials, and university presidents. The university, destroyed during Islamic State’s occupation, has been rebuilt and now includes six major buildings that host over 10,000 students across various faculties, such as law, education, sciences, and medical and technical fields.

Ahmad Al-Khatir, the university’s media director, highlighted its progress since its founding in 1993. “The university has transformed into a prestigious academic entity, and this celebration reflects our deep commitment to educational excellence and leadership in higher education,” he told 964media.

Before ISIS’s destruction, the university had 7,000 students and six buildings. After its liberation, it was rebuilt, now serving 10,000 students with nearly all academic disciplines offered. The university opened a temporary site in Kirkuk during ISIS control.

In 2014, ISIS seized large portions of Iraq, including Anbar. The group imposed strict control, and the university was completely destroyed. By 2017, Iraqi, Kurdish, and U.S.-supported forces liberated the area and defeated ISIS’s territorial claims.

Al-Khatir added that new departments would soon be introduced to meet growing demands in science, technology, and humanities, ensuring students have access to modern educational opportunities.

“These celebrations reaffirm our commitment to engaging with both local and international academic communities. We are strengthening our role as a scientific and intellectual beacon,” Al-Khatir said.

Hikmat Mohammed, a student, praised the university, stating, “Al-Maarif University is one of the strongest private educational institutions in Anbar, and its students come from diverse backgrounds.” He also expressed hopes for further improvements, particularly in curriculum development to keep pace with advancements.