After three years of preparatory works, the reconstruction works of Al-Hadba minaret and Al-Saa’a and Al-Tahera Churches in Mosul, Iraq, by UNESCO in partnership with the UAE will be ready to start in March.
This was announced by Ernesto Ottone Ramírez, Assistant Director-General for Culture of UNESCO, during his visit to Iraq. Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO, will travel to Mosul to launch these works.
About 80 percent of the old city of Mosul has been destroyed during its occupation of the city by the Islamic State until 2017. After the city was liberated, UNESCO launched in 2018 an ambitious international initiative to “revive the spirit of Mosul”.
UNESCO said this reconstruction and reconciliation initiative aims to restore this rich and diverse city, with its pluralistic history at the crossroads of cultures and religions of the Middle East, back to its former glory, by “empowering the population as agents of change involved in the process of rebuilding their city through three main axes: heritage, education, and cultural life”.
The UAE was the first partner to join this UNESCO’s initiative for the restoration and reconstruction of the historic landmarks of Mosul – Al-Nouri Mosque and Al-Hadba minaret. The project was later expanded to include Al-Saa’a and Al-Tahera Churches, UNESCO said in a statement. The European Union has also partnered with UNESCO to rebuild 122 historic houses.
“I am very happy to see large numbers of youth contributing to the reconstruction of their city,” he said.
Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Knowledge, said, “We express our gratitude to the team who have worked tirelessly to deliver the project. The archaeological discoveries under Al Nouri Mosque are a valuable contribution to our understanding of this historic monument.”
“Consultations are underway to finalize the design of the Mosque, incorporating these precious discoveries. We eagerly await the start of the reconstruction work. The progress made on this project strengthens the resolve of the community and aids in bolstering the local economy by instilling confidence and engaging Iraqis in rebuilding their historical treasures,” Kaabi said.