The restoration of Mosul’s historical sites not only heals scars from extremism but also revitalizes community trust and cultural identity.
Reviving Mosul: The Rebirth of an Ancient City Post-IS Destruction
Reviving Mosul: The Rebirth of an Ancient City Post-IS Destruction
Historic restoration project restores Mosul's cultural landmarks after years of devastation.
In recent years, Mosul has been undergoing a remarkable transformation as its iconic landmarks and cultural heritage sites are being lovingly restored following the destruction caused by the Islamic State (IS) group. The city, known for its rich history and the coexistence of various religious communities, faced severe devastation during its occupation from 2014 until its liberation in 2017. A significant restoration project, spearheaded and funded by UNESCO, aims to breathe new life into Mosul’s once-vibrant streets and buildings.
The restoration efforts were officially recognized at a ceremony attended by UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay, local artisans, residents, and representatives from diverse religious communities. This initiative came to life a year after IS was defeated, with a budget of $115 million raised primarily from the United Arab Emirates and the European Union. The massive endeavor encompasses the rebuilding of churches, mosques, and crucial communal buildings, symbolizing a broader effort to restore the spirit of the community.
Photographer Ali al-Baroodi recounted the devastation he witnessed in 2017, describing a city ravaged by violence and loss. He recalls his shock upon discovering the iconic al-Hadba minaret in ruin. “It was like a ghost town… I lost my mind,” he expressed, highlighting the profound emotional toll the destruction took on the residents. Remarkably, over 80% of the Old City of Mosul endured severe damage during IS's occupation.
Father Olivier Poquillon, a Dominican priest, has been instrumental in overseeing the restoration of the Notre-Dame de l'Heure convent, which was heavily damaged. He emphasized that rebuilding trust among the city’s diverse communities was as critical as the physical reconstruction. “If you want to rebuild the buildings, you've got first to rebuild trust…,” Poquillon noted, stressing the importance of unity in the recovery process.
Architect Maria Rita Acetoso leads the project, which successfully restored not only historical buildings but also fosters skills development and job creation. According to UNESCO, the initiative has trained over 1,300 young people in traditional crafts and created approximately 6,000 new jobs in the region. The project also saw significant representation from women, with 30% of the engineering roles filled by females.
As the restoration work progresses, the once-silent bells of al-Tahera Church now ring proudly across Mosul. Residents like Mustafa and Abdullah, who have strong family ties to their homes from the 1800s, have shared their joy in returning to rebuilt houses, despite the memories of past destruction lingering. Their stories echo a collective hope for revitalization and a brighter future for both Mosul and its resilient inhabitants.
Ali al-Baroodi captures this revival through his lens, expressing that witnessing Mosul's rebirth feels akin to observing a "dead person coming back to life." His ongoing documentation reflects the deep-seated spirit of resilience and hope among the people of Mosul, who are now on the path towards healing and rebuilding their beloved city.
The restoration efforts were officially recognized at a ceremony attended by UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay, local artisans, residents, and representatives from diverse religious communities. This initiative came to life a year after IS was defeated, with a budget of $115 million raised primarily from the United Arab Emirates and the European Union. The massive endeavor encompasses the rebuilding of churches, mosques, and crucial communal buildings, symbolizing a broader effort to restore the spirit of the community.
Photographer Ali al-Baroodi recounted the devastation he witnessed in 2017, describing a city ravaged by violence and loss. He recalls his shock upon discovering the iconic al-Hadba minaret in ruin. “It was like a ghost town… I lost my mind,” he expressed, highlighting the profound emotional toll the destruction took on the residents. Remarkably, over 80% of the Old City of Mosul endured severe damage during IS's occupation.
Father Olivier Poquillon, a Dominican priest, has been instrumental in overseeing the restoration of the Notre-Dame de l'Heure convent, which was heavily damaged. He emphasized that rebuilding trust among the city’s diverse communities was as critical as the physical reconstruction. “If you want to rebuild the buildings, you've got first to rebuild trust…,” Poquillon noted, stressing the importance of unity in the recovery process.
Architect Maria Rita Acetoso leads the project, which successfully restored not only historical buildings but also fosters skills development and job creation. According to UNESCO, the initiative has trained over 1,300 young people in traditional crafts and created approximately 6,000 new jobs in the region. The project also saw significant representation from women, with 30% of the engineering roles filled by females.
As the restoration work progresses, the once-silent bells of al-Tahera Church now ring proudly across Mosul. Residents like Mustafa and Abdullah, who have strong family ties to their homes from the 1800s, have shared their joy in returning to rebuilt houses, despite the memories of past destruction lingering. Their stories echo a collective hope for revitalization and a brighter future for both Mosul and its resilient inhabitants.
Ali al-Baroodi captures this revival through his lens, expressing that witnessing Mosul's rebirth feels akin to observing a "dead person coming back to life." His ongoing documentation reflects the deep-seated spirit of resilience and hope among the people of Mosul, who are now on the path towards healing and rebuilding their beloved city.
