As part and parcel of the visit of an Al-Zahraa University for Women delegation to Portugal, the delegation, headed by Prof. Dr. Zainab Al-Mulla Al-Sultani, the University President, and accompanied by Prof. Dr. Ali Ja'far Al-Husseini, Director of the Scientific Affairs Department, and Dr. Ilham Yaldo, Dean of the Institute of Administration at the Middle Technical University (Fatima Campus), visited the Sanctuary of Fátima in the city of Fátima, Portugal.

The delegation was received by Fr. Carlos Cabecinhas, Rector of the Sanctuary, and senior members of its staff. Led by Prof. Dr. Al-Sultani, the delegation discussed the history of the establishment of the Sanctuary and the types of activities it organises. Discussions also explored opportunities for cooperation in scientific and intellectual fields and promoting a culture of peaceful coexistence among religions and denominations.

The delegation invited Fr. Carlos, to visit the city of Karbala and participate in festivals organised by Imam Hussein Holy Shrine, including the International Kawthar Al-'Ismah Festival.

The delegation also discussed academic cooperation and partnership between the Sanctuary of Fátima in Portugal and ZUW in the fields of studies and research, as well as documenting historical events in Iraq and the Middle East.

It is worth noting that the Sanctuary of Fátima is associated with the reported apparition of Lady Fatima (peace be upon her) in Portugal in 1917, which, according to their belief, refers to the Virgin Mary (peace be upon her). Additionally, the said event occurred during the historical period of Arab and Muslim presence in Spain and Portugal, and the city was named after her.

Edited by: Asst. Lect. Mohammed Dia' Al-Din

Translated by Zahra’ Ala’