UT continued its Pre-Game Faculty Showcase on Saturday, hosting Palmira Brummett, a professor in the Department of History, who presented "Iran and Iraq in Historical Perspective: Shaping National Identities."

Brummett discussed the history of Iran and Iraq that brought us to the 20^th century. The audience took a tour through the history of the Ottoman Empire with the mythical story of Zahhak, an Arab ruler with snakes on his shoulders.

She explained how distant history forms the identity for countries such as Iran and Iraq.

"Rulers that represent power are part of the identity of these countries," Brummett said.

The Azadi Tower, built in 1971, is a monument marking the entrance into the city of Tehran, Iran. Brummett explained that these monuments also help to shape the national identities of these countries. The Azadi tower is also known as the "Freedom Monument" and represents 2,500 years of Persian and eternal kingship.

"The monument is a celebration of self and a celebration of nation," she said. "It's a final symbol of tyranny for Iranians."

Brummett specializes in Middle Eastern, Ottoman and Islamic history. She has published several books and more than 30 articles and has received several awards, including the Phi Beta Kappa Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching and Research in 1995.

The Pre-Game Faculty Showcase provides audiences with a 30-minute lecture followed by a 15-minute question and answer session. The showcase takes place two hours before kickoff at all home games and is free and open to the public.

The event is sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences with support from the UT Alumni Association and UT Men's Athletics.