Mosul celebrates the restoration of its iconic Al-Hadba minaret

NINEVEH — In a historic moment for the city of Mosul, the iconic Al-Hadba Minaret has been fully restored for the first time since its destruction during liberation operations in 2017. The final piece, a handcrafted crescent, was installed atop the minaret, adding an additional two meters to its 50-meter height. The crescent, made of thick red copper, was crafted entirely by Mosuli artisans in just 20 days.

The Great Mosque of al-Nuri, located in Mosul, Iraq, was renowned for its distinctive leaning minaret, al-Hadba, which stood as a symbol of the city’s rich heritage for over 840 years. In June 2014, the mosque gained international attention when ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the establishment of the so-called caliphate from its pulpit. Three years later ISIS militants destroyed both the mosque and its iconic minaret as Iraqi forces advanced to liberate Mosul.

Following the city’s liberation, a collaborative reconstruction effort was initiated, led by UNESCO and funded by the United Arab Emirates. This project aimed to restore the mosque and its minaret to their former glory, involving meticulous documentation, site clearance, and faithful reconstruction of the historic structures. In November 2024, the restoration of al-Hadba was completed, marking a significant milestone in Mosul’s recovery and serving as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope for its residents.

The intricate piece was created under the supervision of Nour Al-Din Abbas, one of the city’s oldest coppersmiths, who shaped 35 kilograms of copper into a masterpiece crowning the historic minaret. “When I was commissioned by Rahab Nineveh Company to create the crescent, I felt immense happiness and pride,” Abbas told 964 Media. “It is an honor to have my name associated with the reconstruction of this iconic landmark.”.

Abbas revealed that his involvement was facilitated by his friend, photographer Bashar Al-Sufi, who introduced the company to his workshop. “I asked only for the cost of the copper material; all the labor was done voluntarily as my contribution to this great historical monument,” he added. Abbas worked tirelessly from October 27, often staying in the market until evening prayers to complete the crescent and bring joy to Mosul’s residents.

The crescent, crafted from anti-corrosive red copper, measures 2.1 meters in height and 1.5 millimeters in thickness. It is designed to withstand weather conditions for centuries.

Mustafa Al-Ziwani, Resident Engineer told 964media that “the crescent is the highest piece of the minaret, bringing its total height to over 51 meters. What remains now is the removal of scaffolding, installation of a railing around the minaret, and finishing touches”. He noted that upcoming work includes painting the minaret’s base and interior, site cleaning, adding lighting, paving the grounds, installing fencing, and completing the adjacent Al-Nuri Mosque school.