Mosul unveils first of several symbolic gates celebrating coexistence

NINEVEH — The city of Mosul has completed the first of several planned gates for the Old City, adorned with symbols representing various social and religious communities. Overseen by UNESCO engineers, the project aims to highlight the peaceful coexistence of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, while reviving the near-extinct art of stone engraving.

Anas Ziyad, project director for the Mosul Gates, told 964media, “The Mosul Gates project is closely followed by French artist Louis-Cyprien Rials, who spent time living in Iraq and visited Mosul several times. He was captivated by the city’s unique stonework and Old City architecture, particularly the intricate doorways.”

The Old City of Mosul, located on the western bank of the Tigris River, is renowned for its ancient architecture, narrow alleyways, and significant cultural landmarks. Iconic sites like the Al-Nuri Mosque, with its leaning minaret “Al-Hadba,” and various ancient churches, shrines, and markets contribute to the city’s rich heritage.

Ziyad explained that the project has two main goals: “First, to revive the Mosul stone engraving craft, which has nearly disappeared despite being an essential part of our heritage. The second is to showcase the architectural engravings found on the Old City’s gates, symbolizing many of the religious and social communities—both Muslim and Christian—that once lived here. These designs beautifully reflect the city’s diverse heritage.”

In 2014, ISIS seized Mosul during a swift offensive but was driven out in July 2017 after months of urban warfare. The city’s recovery has included significant efforts to restore its cultural heritage, which was systematically targeted and destroyed by the extremist group during its occupation.

The first gate has already been completed and exhibited at the French Embassy in Baghdad. Work is now underway on the second gate. The gates, according to Ziyad, serve as a message of peaceful coexistence between the Abrahamic religions that have shaped Mosul’s history. “All the people of Mosul have contributed to building the city and fostering peace and love,” he said.

On Sept. 15, the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by ISIS released a report detailing the destruction inflicted on Iraq’s cultural heritage by ISIS, particularly in Mosul, between June 2014 and August 2017. The report highlighted the group’s systematic targeting of religious and cultural sites across Iraq.