Restored Al Nuri Mosque minaret brings hope to war-weary Mosul

Symbolic landmark was blown up by ISIS in 2017

Al Nuri Mosque in Mosul, destroyed by ISIS, has been rebuilt with assistance from the UAE. Getty Images

After years of careful restoration work, Mosul’s skyline has reclaimed one of its most beloved symbols, with Unesco placing the final brick in the city’s landmark Al Nuri Mosque minaret.

Once a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture, the minaret was blown up by ISIS in June 2017 as US-backed Iraqi forces approached Mosul’s old city, the last urban stronghold for the militants in more than three years of ruinous war.

Maria Acetoso, head of Unesco's Reviving the Spirit of Mosul programme, which was funded by the UAE, told The National that the work concluded on Wednesday. “We have completed the reconstruction of Al Hadba Minaret,” Ms Acetoso said, using its nickname.

The UN’s cultural agency launched its Mosul programme in early 2018, a few months after the declaration of victory over ISIS. Its aim was to recover the city’s famous buildings and heritage sites, while also repairing schools. The UAE donated $50 million to restore Al Nuri complex, as well as two nearby churches, Al Saa’a and Al Tahera.

The famous Al Nuri Mosque tower, which is still featured on Iraq's 10,000 dinar note, was 45 metres tall and decorated with ornamental brickwork. Constructed in the second half of the 12th century, the mosque was named after Nur Al Din Mahmoud Zangi, a Turkic ruler of the Syrian province who famously unified Muslim forces against the Crusaders.

The rebuilding of the minaret involved numerous challenges. Unesco and its team faced the difficulty of balancing historical accuracy with modern needs. Using remnants recovered from the original structure, the team worked meticulously to ensure the minaret would honour its historic appearance while also using reinforcement techniques to withstand future challenges.

As the restoration of the mosque project began, archaeologists made surprising discoveries. These include original marble columns constructed on square stone footings, uncovering four connected rooms built of stone under the prayer hall, plus artefacts, jars, pieces of carved stone and coins dating back to various periods.

In March, Unesco predicted Al Nuri Mosque complex would reopen by the end of the year. “We are currently proceeding with completion of some details related to treatment of external surfaces, [the] internal lighting system and final finishing of the annexed Madrassa,” Ms Acetoso confirmed. “The reconstruction of Al Nuri Prayer Hall is still continuing, along with related services,” she added.

Mosul returns

The complex is expected to draw visitors from across Iraq and beyond, boosting Mosul’s economy and reintroducing it as a centre of historical and cultural importance.

Local residents, many of whom vividly remember the devastation of 2017, say they feel a deep sense of triumph and pride. “It’s a tremendous feeling,” Anas Al Taie, 34, told The National. “When we used to see it in ruins, watching videos replaying how it was destroyed, it was heartbreaking.

“Seeing it restored today brings overwhelmingly positive feelings and immense joy,” Mr Al Taie said. “It inspires a sense of motivation to continue life in a positive, normal way. It’s a great joy and a significant achievement, like the victory day.”

It was from the pulpit of Al Nuri Mosque that ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi announced the formation of a caliphate in mid-2014 covering nearly a third of the country and parts of Syria. During its reign, the militant group introduced a strict regime in line with its radical interpretation of Islamic law.

“Daesh exploited Al Nuri Mosque when it occupied the city to have its terrorist caliph deliver his address and declare his caliphate, and then they wanted to break Mosul society with its destruction,” Mr Al Taie said.

The story around Al Nuri Mosque has became one of “defiance and determination to restore the whole of Mosul through it”, he said. With the completion of the mosque complex and other historical sites “we can finally say that Mosul has returned”, he said.