The International and Iraqi Sabian Mandaean communities celebrated Dr Saad Salloum and the efforts of Masarat Institution in an honouring ceremony on the occasion of receiving the Ibn Rushd Prize for the Freedom of Thought.
The celebration took place in the Mandae of Sabian Mandaeans in Baghdad with the attendance of the Head and members of the Council of Christians General Affairs, a group of religious figures, diplomats, activists and Mandaean families in Baghdad.
Starting the celebration, the international head of the Mandaean religion in Iraq Sattar Jabbar Hilo presented a speech where he praised the constant efforts of Mr Salloum and Masarat regarding the acknowledgement of Mandaean culture and taking action in defending the minority religion’s rights for years.
Moreover, the Head of the Council of Mandaeans affairs Oudai Asa’d Khams started his speech by reporting Dr Saad Salloum’s career and work, including his books and contribution to Masarat Institution.
The ceremony included a tour of the Mandaean Wisdom Museum and a visit to the Mandaean language teaching centre.
The celebration also included an exhibition of Masarat Institution’s books and publications which involved the religious and ethnic diversity in Iraq and the Arab world.
