UNESCO-backed initiative revives cultural heritage

Mosul rebuilds Al-Tahira Church and Al-Hadba Minaret

2024-07-24 | 21:33

MOSUL – Significant strides have been made in rebuilding two historical landmarks in Mosul, with the Al-Tahira Church in Hosh Al-Bieaa nearing completion and the restoration of the iconic Al-Hadba Minaret at the Al-Nouri Mosque well underway. The projects are central to the “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative, supported by UNESCO and other international entities.

Iraqi and foreign engineers have collaborated on the Al-Tahira Church, which is set to open officially in about a month. Bells crafted in Italy have been installed, and attention will soon shift to the nearby “Al-Sa’aa Church.”

The Al-Nouri Mosque’s leaning Al-Hadba Minaret has reached 50 percent completion, with the structure rebuilt to 20 meters so far. The aim is for the minaret to reach its original height of 50 meters, using 44,000 bricks, with an additional 24,000 sourced from Iraqi brickworks. The minaret project is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Site engineer Mustafa Khaled explained that the base of the minaret has been reinforced with a new foundation. Efforts are focused on preserving the original ancient style, using rust-resistant materials from global sources like Italy. The initiative has also enhanced local expertise, with international experts training Iraqi fine arts students in restoration techniques.

During Islamic State’s occupation of the city from 2014 to 2017, Mosul suffered significant destruction, including the demolition of heritage sites. The “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative, launched by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in February 2018, aims to restore these heritage sites and empower the local community through culture and education.

Architectural consultant Mark Yard highlighted the challenges faced at Al-Tahira Church due to 80 percent of the site being damaged.

“We faced significant difficulties, especially in preserving the remaining stones and sourcing similar ones,” he told 964media. Italian trainers supervised the intricate work, training fine arts graduates to fill gaps with lime and blend it with carvings.

In addition, the Nineveh Antiquities and Heritage Office, in partnership with UNESCO, is preparing to reconstruct Mosul’s oldest standing bathhouse, “Hammam Al-Qalaa” (Castle Bath). Originally built in 1744, this historic site in the Maydan area will be converted into a traditional restaurant.