Iraqi officials demolish 300-year-old minaret in Basra, sparking outcry over destruction of heritage site

The historic al-Siraji Mosque in Basra, Iraq had its 300-year-old minaret demolished, causing backlash over the destruction of heritage.
Iraqi officials claimed the minaret was demolished to widen a road, but experts argued it was not encroaching on the street.
The governor said permission was obtained from Iraq's Sunni Endowment Office, but they deny approving the demolition.
The incident highlights gaps in legal protections for Iraq's heritage sites, which have suffered damage during years of conflict.
The governor suggested a Turkish company may rebuild the minaret, but critics say the demolition damages Iraq's irreplaceable heritage.