Baghdad: The Iraqi Artists Syndicate mourned the passing of artist Dr. Iqbal Naeem, who passed away today, Wednesday. Dr. Naeem was a prominent figure in the Iraqi theater community, known for her extensive work with local theater groups such as the Modern and Popular Artistic Theater before joining the National Acting Troupe.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Dr. Naeem’s contributions to the arts were celebrated both locally and internationally. She directed numerous plays, earning significant awards while representing Iraq at various festivals. In 1985, she received the Best Actress Award for the play “The Pawn” from the Iraqi Theater Center. Her talent was further recognized in 1987 when she won the Best Supporting Actor Award for “A Thousand Wishes and a Wish” and the Best Complete Work Award for “The Rocking Chair Hymn” at the Carthage Theater Festival. In 2002, she was honored with the Best Direction, Acting, and Costumes Award for “The Golden Feather” at the Jordanian Children’s Theater Festival.

Dr. Naeem collaborated with some of Iraq’s most esteemed directors, including Dr. Awni Karumi, Dr. Salah Al-Qasab, Aziz Khayoun, and Dr. Fadhil Khalil. Her theatrical performances were numerous, with notable works such as “The Prism Thread,” “In the Heights of Love,” “Sidra,” and “Herostratus,” directed by Fadel Khalil, as well as “I Apologize, Professor, I Didn’t Mean It.” Beyond the stage, she also appeared in films like “Love in Baghdad” and “Six by Six,” and participated in numerous television and radio dramas.