"Hosh Al-Khan" restaurant in Mosul. (Photo: 964media)
'Memories of the old days'
Hosh Al-Khan restaurant in Mosul draws visitors with heritage charm
MOSUL — The “Hosh Al-Khan” restaurant in Mosul is drawing visitors from Baghdad, the Kurdistan Region, and other cities. Named after the historic “Hosh Al-Khan” area, the restaurant was rebuilt after being destroyed during the Islamic State era.
Before the ISIS conflict, the site housed a traditional bakery. It now serves traditional Iraqi dishes such as kibbeh and grilled meats while showcasing vintage artifacts—including copperware, pottery, and old radios—to enhance its nostalgic ambiance.
Manaf Al-Ghariri, the restaurant’s owner, told 964media, “Before ISIS, this place was a bakery, but it suffered massive destruction during the war on the group. Large sections were damaged, and we worked hard to rebuild and restore it.”
ISIS, which emerged in 2014 after seizing major cities such as Mosul and Tikrit and declaring a “caliphate,” is known for its extreme violence and attacks on minority communities. It was militarily defeated in Iraq by 2017 through the efforts of Iraqi forces, Kurdish Peshmerga, and a U.S.-led coalition.
Al-Ghariri emphasized his passion for heritage, stating, “The restaurant officially opened in 2024 and offers traditional dishes. We have collected many old artifacts, including pottery, statues, copper items, and vintage radios, all of which are displayed inside the restaurant.”
He also highlighted the restaurant’s popularity, saying, “The turnout has exceeded our expectations. Many foreign tourists visit us daily, alongside large numbers of visitors from Baghdad and other parts of Iraq.”
Despite its success, Al-Ghariri noted the lack of government support, stating, “The state has not provided us with any assistance. This project was entirely self-funded, without any help from organizations. We hope the government will support such projects, as the restaurant has become a tourist attraction. Many older visitors tell us that the place brings back memories of the old days and reminds them of their family homes.”
Ahmad Al-Fadhli, a visitor from Baghdad, expressed his admiration for the restaurant, saying, “I came from Baghdad to visit beloved Mosul, and we were happy to see the city coming back to life. We love old and heritage places, and we specifically came to this restaurant to experience its atmosphere and food. The place is truly amazing.”
