The restored section of Alqosh’s historic market features stone arches and traditional design elements under a new glass roof, part of efforts to revive the town’s century-old trade center. Photo by 964media.
Volunteers revive Alqosh’s century-old market, restoring a historic Nineveh landmark
NINEVEH — After years of abandonment, the old market of Alqosh is set to reopen within weeks, marking the revival of one of the town’s oldest landmarks and a symbol of its historic trade links between Nineveh and Duhok. The restoration, led by local volunteers and clergy, aims to preserve Alqosh’s heritage and bring economic life back to its center.
“I was born near this market, and everyone used to come here because it was the center of Alqosh and nearby areas,” said resident Hanaa Abdul Zalfa. “Later, people moved into other parts of the town, and the market became old and forgotten. About four years ago, it was almost abandoned, and those who came here were afraid of the place.”
Zalfa said the effort began when the late Bishop Paulus Thabet Habib saw the neglected site. “With Father Rudi and the town’s youth, they decided to restore it. Reconstruction started about three years ago, and since then, three festivals have been held,” she said.
Once home to carpenters and blacksmiths, the market now features renovated stalls that will soon house a tailor, a crafts shop, a barbershop, and a store selling prayer beads. “In the first section there are eight shops, and on the opposite side about 20,” Zalfa said. “The goal of restoring the market is to revive the old heritage, because the late Bishop Thabet wanted to preserve old things.”
Carmen George Al-Najjar, who oversees the project, said the initiative started as a grassroots effort. “A group of young people from Alqosh, along with the late Bishop Paulus Thabet Habib and Father Rudi, decided to revive the old market and organize a monthly charity market to celebrate local heritage,” he said.
The project has since drawn attention from donors and cultural organizations. “We held a festival in the name of the old market, which received great attention from media outlets, residents, and even people from abroad,” Al-Najjar said. “Gradually, organizations began donating and helping with the reconstruction.”
He said the market now includes 32 shops, a café, and a church-run library, with plans to open women’s salons, an art studio, and other small businesses. “In about two months, people will begin working here again,” he said.
Located about 50 kilometers from both Mosul and Duhok, Alqosh sits in the Nineveh Plain, a region known for its deep Christian heritage and long history of trade and craftsmanship.