Mosul's Heritage Reawakens Amidst Reconstruction Efforts

Following years of devastation caused by the Islamic State group's occupation, Mosul's historic landmarks such as churches and mosques are gradually being restored through a UNESCO-led project aimed at rebuilding not only structures but also community trust and spirit.

Historic sites in Mosul are on the path to restoration after being severely damaged during the Islamic State group's (IS) occupation from 2014 to 2017. The ambitious rebuilding initiative, spearheaded by UNESCO with significant funding, commenced shortly after the city was liberated from IS control. Key figures, including UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, gathered for a celebratory ceremony marking the reopening of these treasured sites.

Once a haven of cultural coexistence, Mosul fell victim to IS's extremist regime, which perpetrated violence against minorities and enforced a harsh version of its ideology. The battle for Mosul was fought fiercely, particularly in the Old City, which saw extensive destruction. Many historic structures, including the iconic leaning al-Hadba minaret and the al-Nuri mosque, were lost amid fierce fighting and systematic detonation by IS.

Mosul resident and photographer Ali al-Baroodi vividly recalls the devastation that followed the liberation, describing the city as resembling a "ghost town," a stark deviation from familiar landscapes. Eighty percent of the area's historical sites lay in ruins in the aftermath. UNESCO launched a $115 million project, primarily funded by the United Arab Emirates and the European Union, to address not only the physical destruction but also to help rekindle communal ties.

Dominican priest Father Olivier Poquillon has been pivotal in bringing together community members, noting that mending relationships among different faiths was fundamental to the endeavor. "You need to rebuild trust before restoring the buildings," he emphasized. Restorations extended beyond houses of worship to include essential public spaces, reviving the cultural tapestry of the Old City.

Architect Maria Rita Acetoso led the project, which has provided training in traditional crafts to over 1,300 young people and created around 6,000 jobs in the region. Alongside repairing religious sites, work has been done on schools and recovery of important artifacts.

Key landmarks, including the al-Tahera Church, are now echoing with bells once more, signaling a revitalization of communal spirit. Residents like Mustafa and Abdullah, whose families have deep historical roots in the Old City, shared their joy in returning to their rebuilt homes. Abdullah described the profound emotions tied to this revival, stating, "I thought I would never be able to come back and live here again."

While the scars of the past remain, the ongoing restoration of Mosul's identity and heritage symbolizes resilience and hope for a future of unity. Ali al-Baroodi, documenting the city's transformation, likens it to witnessing the rebirth of a beloved figure, capturing the essence of a city healing from its wounds.