Volume 30, Issue 1 | 15 Feb. 2026
Three Decades of EvolutionWe are pleased to present the inaugural issue of our thirtieth volume. The attainment of a three-decade milestone represents a significant achievement in scholarly publishing. As we reflect upon the trajectory from our initial print publication in 1996 to our current multimodal, AI-integrated platform, one enduring element emerges: our commitment to critical inquiry.
While the tools we use to gather and disseminate information have shifted from ink and paper to neural-linked data streams and real-time generative updates, the core of our mission remains stubbornly unchanged. We are here to curate the signal from the noise.
Dear researcher(s), esteemed reviewers, linguistic proofreaders and the administrative staff of the journal, thank you for being part of our community. Your engagement is the heartbeat of this masthead.
Editor-in-chief
Editorial
It is with great pride that we present Issue 4, Volume 29 of the Zanco Journal of Human Sciences, a testament to the journal’s enduring commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and regional relevance. This issue features seventeen peer-reviewed articles that traverse the domains of linguistics, law, economics, environmental science, education, and sociopolitical thought—each contributing to the evolving discourse within the human sciences.
The volume opens with a comparative methodological study on George Sarton’s historiography of Islamic sciences, offering a critical lens on epistemological narratives that shaped modern scientific thought. This historical inquiry is complemented by contemporary analyses, such as the role of human capital investment in aligning higher education with labor market needs—an urgent concern for educational institutions
Environmental and geographical studies in this issue reflect the journal’s growing engagement with sustainability and regional development. From estimating surface runoff in the Shahlagha Basin using SCS-CN techniques to evaluating agricultural potential in Choman via the AHP model, these contributions underscore the importance of data-driven planning in Kurdistan’s ecological future.
The intersection of law and society is explored through legal discourse on drug legislation and the condition of anarchism in the post-2011 Middle East, while Karl Popper’s typology of societies invites philosophical reflection on openness and reform. Linguistic studies—ranging from lexical cohesion in narrative texts to gender representation in Bahdinani short stories—highlight the cultural and ideological dimensions of language.
Strategic leadership and sustainability emerge as central themes in articles examining economic resilience within KRG ministries and the financial implications of sustainability reporting in Erbil’s banking sector. Meanwhile, the mediating role of green HR practices in manufacturing contexts signals a shift toward environmentally conscious governance.
Educational research in this issue addresses e-learning motivation at Duhok University and the impact of EFL environments on academic performance, reinforcing the journal’s dedication to pedagogical innovation. Finally, contributions on artificial neural networks in HIV risk prediction, groundwater depth assessment, and social media disinformation reflect the journal’s embrace of technological and digital frontiers.
Together, these articles exemplify the journal’s mission: to foster scholarly dialogue that is both globally informed and locally grounded. We extend our gratitude to the authors, reviewers, and readers who continue to enrich this intellectual journey.
Editorial
The third issue of the Zanco Journal of Human Sciences presents a rich and diverse collection of scholarly works that reflect the breadth and depth of contemporary research in the humanities and social sciences. This issue brings together studies ranging from literary analysis and linguistic theory to historical inquiry and organizational leadership, offering readers a multifaceted exploration of human experience and societal dynamics.
Among the highlights is the insightful examination of feminist discourse in Jabbar Jamal Gharib's The Age of Bilquis' Weeping, which contributes to ongoing conversations about gender and literature. Complementing this, the study on gender inequality and entrepreneurship in Erbil critically assesses the performance of working women, shedding light on socio-economic challenges in the region.
The issue also delves into historical and political realms with a detailed analysis of national conflict for power at the Safavid court (1501–1722). The historical narrative is further expanded by the investigation into Ottoman terracotta pipes found in Arbelal Citadel, offering a tangible connection to the material culture of the Ottoman period.
Linguistic scholarship is well represented through the study on compensatory vowel lengthening of /A/ based on moraic theory, advancing phonological theory, and the psycho-cognitive analysis of Kurdish folklore vocabularies, which bridges language and cultural cognition. In literary studies, the exploration of narrative types and functions in Sabri Sulaifani’s novel Dergahe Dunyaye and the application of New Historicism to Elif Shafak’s The Bastard of Istanbul provide critical insights into narrative form and historical memory.
Leadership and organizational studies feature prominently with papers investigating affiliative and authentic leadership styles and their impact on organizational prosperity, employee well-being, and identification. These studies offer valuable perspectives for both scholars and practitioners aiming to enhance workplace dynamics.
The issue also addresses contemporary educational and cultural phenomena, including the impact of TikTok influencers on educational value and the role of cartoons and caricatures in Kurdish art, highlighting the intersection of media, culture, and society.
Finally, the examination of Shariah governance in Islamic banks within the Kurdistan Region and the analysis of U.S. foreign policy under President Bush towards the Middle East provide critical reflections on governance, finance, and international relations.
Together, these papers underscore the journal’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and advancing knowledge across human sciences. We invite readers to engage deeply with these contributions, which illuminate the complexities of human societies past and present.
Celebrating Emerging Voices
This issue of our journal marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between graduate research and broader academic discourse. This is to celebrate the publication of 22 papers derived from graduate theses and dissertations, representing a significant contribution to human sciences scholarship. The selection process transformed comprehensive research into focused, publishable articles, showcasing the intellectual vitality of emerging scholars and the crucial role of graduate work in advancing our understanding of human behavior, society, and culture.
This collection reveals several key trends in contemporary human sciences research. The papers exhibit innovative methodologies, critical theoretical frameworks, and a notable interdisciplinarity, reflecting the increasingly complex nature of the field and the scholars' ability to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. The geographical and institutional diversity of the contributing authors further enriches the intellectual landscape, fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive academic discourse.
As editor-in-chief, I am particularly pleased by the quality and range of these contributions. This issue serves as a testament to the dedication and talent of our researchers and provides a platform for their continued scholarly growth. We anticipate these publications will stimulate further research and contribute significantly to the ongoing evolution of human sciences. We encourage readers to engage with these insightful works and consider the implications for the future of the field.
Bridging Disciplines
This issue of Zanco Journal of Human Sciences exemplifies the vital role of interdisciplinary research in understanding complex social, cultural, and political phenomena. The diverse methodological approaches and subject matters represented here contribute significantly to both theoretical discourse and practical applications in their respective fields.
At the heart of this issue lies a significant contribution to Kurdish literary and linguistic analysis. From the examination of asymmetric prosody in Salim's poetry to the cognitive-semantic exploration of Mawlawi's work, these studies demonstrate how traditional Kurdish literary forms can be illuminated through modern analytical approaches. The ecofeminist reading of Qubadi Jalizadeh's poetry and the analysis of poetic nationalism particularly exemplify this synthesis of traditional material with contemporary theoretical frameworks.
The issue's political and historical studies offer crucial insights into Kurdish regional dynamics, with research spanning from early 20th-century Iranian developments to modern media representation. The examination of The New York Times' coverage of Kurdish issues (1961-1968) provides valuable historical context for understanding contemporary international media relations, while studies of current regional developments, such as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, demonstrate the journal's engagement with pressing contemporary issues.
Educational research emerges as another key focus, with studies examining quality assurance systems and innovative teaching methodologies in Kurdish higher education. These papers not only contribute to pedagogical scholarship but also address practical challenges facing educational institutions in the Kurdistan Region.
This collection represents a significant step forward in Kurdish studies, demonstrating how regional scholarship can successfully integrate international academic standards while maintaining its distinctive cultural perspective and relevance to local concerns.
New Horizons in Kurdish Studies
This special issue of Zanco Journal for Human Sciences presents a remarkable collection of thirty papers that collectively illuminate the rich tapestry of Kurdish society, culture, and intellectual life. The breadth of scholarship showcased here reflects the dynamic nature of academic inquiry in the Kurdistan Region and beyond.
The contributions span an impressive mix of disciplines, from educational psychology and childhood development to historical analysis, artistic expression, and linguistic studies. Of particular note is the strong focus on contemporary social issues, including studies on mental fitness among educators, workplace spirituality in higher education, and the challenges facing media researchers in Kurdistan's universities.
Several papers break new ground in examining Kurdish history through fresh perspectives, such as the analysis of Kurdish-Iraqi relations through Iranian media and the investigation of the Belbas Tribes' historical role. The arts are well-represented through studies of relational art, postmodern expression, and theatrical performance, demonstrating the vibrant cultural production in the region.
The inclusion of research on educational development, particularly in early childhood education and values formation, speaks to the region's commitment to building strong educational foundations. Meanwhile, papers addressing religious discourse, coexistence, and social services reveal ongoing engagement with crucial societal challenges.
This collection represents a significant contribution to Kurdish studies and demonstrates the maturing academic landscape in the Kurdistan Region. We trust these papers will stimulate further research and dialogue across disciplinary boundaries.
Knowledge Crossroads: A Multidisciplinary Exploration
The current issue of the Zanco Journal of Human Sciences offers a diverse and thought-provoking collection of research spanning a wide range of disciplines, including sociology, history, linguistics, education, and strategic studies. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the journal's dedication to producing scholarly work that is both regionally grounded and globally significant.
A significant portion of this issue is devoted to historical and cultural studies. Research into the economic and social dynamics of medieval Kurdish societies, specifically focusing on Kurdish merchants and craftsmen in 14th-century Al-Jazeera, provides valuable historical insights. Additionally, literary analysis of spatial representation in Karwan Omar Kakasur's novels and the symbolism of parting in the poetry of Saadi Shirazi and Mahwi demonstrates the rich interpretive potential of cultural studies.
Educational research is another prominent theme in this issue. Studies examining the effectiveness of flipped classroom models in EFL pronunciation instruction, the impact of pair work strategies, and the implementation of active learning approaches in higher education highlight the journal's commitment to pedagogical innovation. A theoretical exploration of education from a sociological perspective further enriches this scholarly discourse.
Furthermore, the journal explores contemporary management challenges, including the role of spiritual leadership in enhancing strategic performance, the impact of job involvement on organizational prosperity, and the potential implications of artificial intelligence on the field of accounting.
Linguistic scholarship is represented through in-depth studies of Kurdish language structure, such as the completion of nouns and the argumentative dimensions of Kurdish proverbs. These studies highlight the journal's commitment to linguistic diversity and depth.
This issue of the Zanco Journal of Human Sciences exemplifies the journal's mission to produce rigorous and intellectually stimulating scholarship that is both locally relevant and globally impactful.
New Perspectives in Autism Research
This special issue of Zanco Journal of Human Sciences presents twelve significant contributions from the recent Autism Spectrum Conference held at College of Education at Salahaddin University-Erbil in Kurdistan Region of Iraq, marking a crucial step forward in our understanding of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the Middle East, with particular focus on the Kurdistan Region and surrounding areas.
The collected research spans multiple vital domains: from innovative intervention strategies and educational programs to critical assessments of existing support systems. Several papers explore novel approaches to skill development, including the application of educational games, artistic gymnastics, and specialized language programs. These studies demonstrate promising results in enhancing life skills and reducing challenging behaviors among children with autism.
Particularly noteworthy are the investigations into family support systems and professional development. The research on psychological resilience in families and the assessment of service provider perspectives offers valuable insights for improving comprehensive care systems. The evaluation of healthcare providers' knowledge and the examination of professional services highlight areas for systematic improvement in autism support infrastructure.
This collection represents a significant contribution to the regional understanding of autism spectrum disorders, bridging research and practical application. The findings presented here will undoubtedly influence policy development and practice improvement in autism support services across the region.
Interdisciplinary Insights: A Glimpse into the Zanco Journal of Human Sciences
This issue of t Zanco Journal of Human Sciences presents a comprehensive interdisciplinary exploration of historical, cultural, linguistic, geographical, economic, and technological domains.
Historical and Cultural Perspectives The journal delves into the rich tapestry of the past, examining the diplomatic role of Queen Šīšīnduxt in Sasanian-Jewish relations and the religious significance of Erbil in New Assyrian literature. These studies offer valuable insights into ancient intercultural interactions. Additionally, the journal explores contemporary cultural practices, such as the artistic structures of Kurdish mobile poetry and the elegiac traditions of Arab women poets.
Language and Technology The intersection of language and technology is a prominent theme in this issue. Research on electronic Kurdish dictionaries and the impact of AI-powered language learning platforms on Kurdish EFL students highlights the dynamic interplay between traditional linguistic studies and technological advancements.
Geography, Environment, and Society The journal also contributes to our understanding of regional environments and social dynamics. Geomorphological analyses of the Gali Ali Beg Valley and explorations of rural development indicators in Khabat District provide valuable insights into the region's natural and human landscapes.
Economic and Technological Trends Economic and technological research is central to this issue. Studies examining macroeconomic policies in Iraq, the UAE, and Egypt, as well as investigations into technological vigilance in healthcare settings, shed light on contemporary societal challenges and opportunities.
Methodological Innovation The journal showcases a wide range of methodological approaches, including statistical models for medical treatment selection and analyses of organizational dynamics like freelance translator recruitment and banking performance.
By bridging disciplinary boundaries, this issue of the Zanco Journal of Human Sciences offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between culture, technology, and society.
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