After years of brutal occupation, Mosul's historic churches, mosques, and community spaces are being rebuilt, symbolizing hope and unity amidst the ruins.
**Mosul's Resurgence: Historic Sites Revived After Years of Devastation**
**Mosul's Resurgence: Historic Sites Revived After Years of Devastation**
Restoration efforts are breathing new life into Mosul's cultural landmarks following the destruction wrought by the Islamic State.
The renowned city of Mosul in northern Iraq is experiencing a remarkable revival as its historically significant landmarks are being restored after years of devastation caused by the Islamic State (IS) group. This comprehensive reconstruction project, spearheaded by Unesco, began shortly after IS was expelled in 2017. A special ceremony to mark the reopening of these sites will take place, attended by Unesco's director-general Audrey Azoulay alongside local artisans and representatives from Mosul’s diverse religious communities.
IS took control of Mosul in 2014, inflicting severe violence and destruction upon a city known for its rich tapestry of religious and ethnic coexistence. The battle to free Mosul culminated in intense combat, particularly around the Old City, where the group's fighters made their final stand. Tragically, IS detonated explosives at the iconic al-Nuri mosque during their retreat, leading to an extensive ruin of the city’s skyline, including the emblematic leaning al-Hadba minaret that had stood for centuries.
As Mosul photographer Ali al-Baroodi reflects on the devastation he witnessed upon returning after the conflict, he describes a haunting scene filled with destruction: “It was not the city that we knew - it was like a metamorphosis - that we never imagined even in our worst nightmares.” The reconstruction effort is vital not only for restoring architectural treasures but also for reigniting the communal bonds that were fractured during the conflict.
With a hefty budget of $115 million raised mainly from sponsors like the United Arab Emirates and the European Union, the restorative work includes repairing over 124 homes and significant structures, such as the al-Saa'a Convent—a Dominican house of worship that was looted and damaged. Father Olivier Poquillon, overseeing restoration efforts, emphasizes that rebuilding trust among the religious communities is key to a successful recovery.
Maria Rita Acetoso, the chief architect of the project with Unesco, highlights the multifaceted benefits of the restoration initiative, noting that it fosters not only cultural healing but job opportunities and skills development for locals, particularly youth. Approximately 1,300 young individuals have been trained in traditional crafts, resulting in over 6,000 new employment opportunities.
Many of Mosul’s significant places of worship, such as al-Tahera Church, have been painstakingly restored, and residents are thrilled to return to homes that had been part of their lives for generations. As Abdullah, a local resident, expressed, returning to his family home feels like reclaiming a precious part of his history.
As towering remnants of war transform back into symbols of resilience, the spirit of Mosul is slowly being restored. Ali al-Baroodi, capturing the city's metamorphosis, poignantly reflects, “It's truly like seeing a dead person coming back to life in a very, very beautiful way.” The journey of healing continues, reflecting the profound strength of a community determined to rise from the ashes.
IS took control of Mosul in 2014, inflicting severe violence and destruction upon a city known for its rich tapestry of religious and ethnic coexistence. The battle to free Mosul culminated in intense combat, particularly around the Old City, where the group's fighters made their final stand. Tragically, IS detonated explosives at the iconic al-Nuri mosque during their retreat, leading to an extensive ruin of the city’s skyline, including the emblematic leaning al-Hadba minaret that had stood for centuries.
As Mosul photographer Ali al-Baroodi reflects on the devastation he witnessed upon returning after the conflict, he describes a haunting scene filled with destruction: “It was not the city that we knew - it was like a metamorphosis - that we never imagined even in our worst nightmares.” The reconstruction effort is vital not only for restoring architectural treasures but also for reigniting the communal bonds that were fractured during the conflict.
With a hefty budget of $115 million raised mainly from sponsors like the United Arab Emirates and the European Union, the restorative work includes repairing over 124 homes and significant structures, such as the al-Saa'a Convent—a Dominican house of worship that was looted and damaged. Father Olivier Poquillon, overseeing restoration efforts, emphasizes that rebuilding trust among the religious communities is key to a successful recovery.
Maria Rita Acetoso, the chief architect of the project with Unesco, highlights the multifaceted benefits of the restoration initiative, noting that it fosters not only cultural healing but job opportunities and skills development for locals, particularly youth. Approximately 1,300 young individuals have been trained in traditional crafts, resulting in over 6,000 new employment opportunities.
Many of Mosul’s significant places of worship, such as al-Tahera Church, have been painstakingly restored, and residents are thrilled to return to homes that had been part of their lives for generations. As Abdullah, a local resident, expressed, returning to his family home feels like reclaiming a precious part of his history.
As towering remnants of war transform back into symbols of resilience, the spirit of Mosul is slowly being restored. Ali al-Baroodi, capturing the city's metamorphosis, poignantly reflects, “It's truly like seeing a dead person coming back to life in a very, very beautiful way.” The journey of healing continues, reflecting the profound strength of a community determined to rise from the ashes.
