Mosul's Historic Sites Restored After IS Destruction

UNESCO completes a multi-year, €140 million restoration project to revive cultural landmarks devastated by the Islamic State in Iraq.

UNESCO's restoration initiative, launched in 2018, focused on rebuilding cultural heritage sites in Mosul under the theme 'Reviving the Spirit of Mosul.'
Key sites restored include the Al-Nuri Mosque and its Al-Hadba Minaret, the Al-Tahira Church, and the Church of Our Lady.
The Islamic State destroyed numerous cultural treasures during its occupation of Mosul from 2014 to 2017, aiming to erase historical narratives conflicting with its ideology.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay visited Mosul to mark the restoration's completion, emphasizing culture and education as tools for rebuilding communities.
The official inauguration of the restored sites will be led by Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani at a later date.