Iraq launches emergency stabilization of Al-Khulafa Mosque minaret

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Culture has launched emergency operations to stabilize the historic minaret of Al-Khulafa Mosque in central Baghdad, in coordination with the Sunni Endowment, Ministry of Construction and Housing, and the General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage.

Officials said the intervention was prompted by a “critical situation” caused by tilting from poorly executed restoration efforts in the past.

Al-Khulafa Mosque, located in the Rusafa area of Baghdad, was originally commissioned by Abbasid Caliph Al-Muktafi between 902 and 908 CE.

The ministry said the work includes upper structural reinforcement using four support arms and a new concrete base to evenly distribute the minaret’s weight.

“This is part of national efforts to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of Baghdad,” the ministry said, noting that all work is supervised by heritage specialists and based on expert studies and lab tests.

A joint on-site meeting brought together the project team and supervising engineers to coordinate implementation according to a set timeline.

The ministry added that the project reflects the government’s commitment to “preserving Baghdad’s Islamic heritage” and protecting its historic identity for future generations.