Revival of Mosul: Historic Landmarks Restored After IS Devastation

After a devastating three-year occupation, the vibrant restoration of Mosul signifies hope and the resilience of its community as beloved landmarks are brought back to life.

Mosul, Iraq - The historic city of Mosul is witnessing a remarkable revival as several of its cherished landmarks, including churches and mosques, are reopening following a devastating chapter marked by the brutality of the Islamic State (IS) group. This ambitious restoration project, funded and organized by UNESCO, commenced a year after IS's defeat in Mosul in 2017, marking a pivotal step in rebuilding the city's spirit and heritage.

Audrey Azoulay, UNICEF’s director-general, is set to attend a ceremony on Wednesday to celebrate this significant occasion alongside local artisans, residents, and various representatives from the city's diverse religious communities.

In 2014, IS seized control of Mosul, transforming it from a beacon of multi-faith coexistence into a stronghold of extremist ideology, targeting minorities and punishing dissent. The fierce battle to reclaim the city culminated in extensive damage, particularly in the Old City, where IS fighters made their final stand. Eyewitness accounts reveal the horrific aftermath, as photographer Ali al-Baroodi recalled entering a landscape marked by destruction - most heartbreakingly, the iconic leaning al-Hadba minaret, crumbled after centuries of prominence in the skyline.

Eighty percent of the Old City was devastated during IS's reign, leaving not only buildings in ruins but also fracturing the harmonious community that had thrived there. As part of its reconstruction efforts, UNESCO secured a budget of $115 million, largely sourced from contributions from the United Arab Emirates and the European Union.

Father Olivier Poquillon, a Dominican priest overseeing the restoration of the Notre-Dame de l'Heure convent, emphasized community collaboration as the cornerstone of the effort. "To rebuild trust is essential for resurrecting the spirit of the city," he remarked.

Leading the project is chief architect Maria Rita Acetoso, who connects cultural restoration with job creation and skills development. She noted that the reconstruction process aims to restore not only structures but also the cultural identity and memories of generations impacted by conflict.

According to UNESCO, more than 1,300 local youth have been trained in traditional skills, resulting in the creation of around 6,000 new jobs. Restoration work has included renovating over 100 classrooms and recovering thousands of historical artifacts from the rubble. Among the architects involved in the rebuilding efforts, 30% were women, a noteworthy detail in a historically male-dominated field.

The echoes of al-Tahera Church resonate through Mosul once more, where the bells chime again following restoration work after it sustained heavy damage during the occupation. The al-Hadba minaret and al-Nouri mosque are also symbolically significant as they are gradually restored to their former grandeur.

Residents like Mustafa and Abdullah, whose families have lived in the Old City for generations, express their relief and joy in returning to their rebuilt homes after experiencing profound loss during the conflict.

While the scars from IS's rule may linger, the revival of Mosul's Old City illustrates a hopeful narrative for the future, as residents like Ali al-Baroodi continue documenting the city's transformation, reflecting the enduring spirit of Mosul as it comes back to life.