Mosul, Iraq, has seen the completion of a major restoration project, five years after efforts began to rebuild the city's historic core. The initiative, led by UNESCO under the 'Revive the Spirit of Mosul' program, aimed to restore significant cultural and religious landmarks damaged during the 2014-2019 occupation by Daesh (ISIS). On September 1, 2025, Iraq's Prime Minister officially inaugurated three key sites: the Al-Nouri Mosque complex, Al-Saa'a Convent, and Al-Tahera Church, marking a significant milestone in the city's recovery.
Key Takeaways
- 80% of Mosul's historic town was damaged during the Daesh occupation.
- UNESCO's 'Revive the Spirit of Mosul' program began in 2019.
- Three major landmarks – Al-Nouri Mosque, Al-Saa'a Convent, and Al-Tahera Church – have been fully restored.
- The project also rebuilt 124 heritage houses and approximately 400 classrooms.
- Over 2,800 people received training in traditional construction and restoration techniques.
Rebuilding a Historic City
Between 2014 and 2019, Daesh controlled Mosul, causing widespread destruction. UNESCO estimates that 80% of the city's historic district was destroyed. This devastation prompted an ambitious reconstruction campaign known as 'Revive the Spirit of Mosul'. Since 2019, UNESCO has worked extensively to rebuild damaged monuments and landscapes.
The program focused on three main areas. These included restoring important heritage sites, bringing back cultural life, and strengthening educational facilities. The recent inaugurations highlight the success of these efforts, returning vital cultural and religious symbols to the city.
Project Scope
- Three major religious and cultural landmarks restored.
- 124 heritage houses rebuilt in the Old City.
- More than 12,000 tons of rubble removed from main sites.
- Approximately 400 classrooms renovated in Nineveh province.
International Collaboration and Funding
The international community pledged support for Iraq's rehabilitation at the Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq in Kuwait in February 2018. Fifteen countries and international organizations partnered with UNESCO for the Mosul program. Major financial contributions came from the United Arab Emirates and the European Union.
The initiative aimed to recover Mosul's rich architectural heritage. This heritage included long-standing buildings that blended Islamic and Nestorian Christian architectural styles and decorative arts. Mosul's unique architecture featured detailed brick facades, marble interiors, muqarnas vaults, and masonry carved with decorative patterns and inscriptions on doors, windows, and arches. The local alabaster stone, known as "Mosul marble," gave the city its distinct character.
"The recovery campaign invested heavily in education and cultural life, transforming spaces and empowering communities through training," a UNESCO spokesperson stated.
Investing in Education and Cultural Life
Beyond physical reconstruction, UNESCO's Mosul recovery campaign also focused on social and cultural revitalization. This involved renovating about 400 classrooms in the Nineveh province, supporting local cultural festivals, and creating new spaces for young artists. A community information center also opened on the banks of the Tigris River, serving local residents.
Training programs were a key component. More than 2,800 people received certifications in construction, including traditional techniques such as alabaster carving and other restoration trades. UNESCO emphasized close collaboration with Iraqi residents and professionals throughout the program, ensuring local expertise was central to the effort.
Mosul's Architectural Identity
Mosul's historic buildings are renowned for their intricate designs. These include elaborately decorated brick facades and marble interiors. The use of "Mosul marble," a local alabaster stone, is a defining characteristic. This unique stone helped create the city's distinctive visual identity, which the restoration project worked to preserve.
Key Restoration Projects
Al-Nouri Mosque Complex and Al-Hadba Minaret
The Al-Nouri Mosque, built in the 12th century, was Mosul's Great Mosque and a central part of city life. During the Daesh retreat in 2017, explosives severely damaged the prayer hall. The initial rehabilitation steps included demining the site, removing dangerous materials, and salvaging valuable rubble fragments for reuse. Iraq's Board of Antiquities and Heritage restored these salvaged elements.
In August 2021, workers discovered four rooms, likely used for ablutions, dating back to the 12th century. These archaeological findings were integrated into the mosque's reconstruction design. An Egyptian team, chosen through an international competition in 2021, led the design work, which was finalized in May 2022.
Al-Tahera Syrian Catholic Church
Al-Tahera Church, constructed in 1859 and opened in 1862, featured multiple altars, a dining room, and two sacristy rooms. Its unique mezzanine floor on the western side set it apart from other churches of its era. In 2017, the church suffered extensive damage, with its roof collapsing and large sections of arcades and vaults destroyed.
The first phase of reconstruction began in 2019, involving the careful dismantling of the remaining concrete roof. The 650 square meter site was then demined, stabilized, and cleared of rubble. Over 6,000 fragments of heritage value were recovered for reuse. The restoration, which required specialized consolidation techniques and materials, was completed in August 2024.
Al-Saa'a Convent and House of Prayer
Also known as Our Lady of the Hour Convent, Al-Saa'a Convent's construction started in 1866. The complex originally housed a church, seminary accommodations, schools, a hospital, and housing for mission staff. A school for women teachers was later added. According to UNESCO, it also housed Mesopotamia's first modern printing press. The convent was damaged during the city's occupation, with active reconstruction starting in April 2023.
The project focused on restoring and modernizing the convent's architectural elements. This was done in collaboration with the Dominican Order and Iraqi authorities. Besides structural repairs, the project included renovating the House of Prayer's interior and facilities, while maintaining its historical integrity. To improve sustainability, solar panels were installed on the roof.
Restoration of Heritage Houses
The program also supported residents returning to the Old City by restoring 124 heritage houses. This provided homes for about 170 families. The work included structural repairs and modernizing infrastructure, such as electrical networks, septic systems, drainage, road surfacing, and public lighting.
Two historic palatial houses, Suliman al-Sayegh and Al-Zyada, were also restored. Traditional techniques and materials were used to preserve the old city's unique character. These house restorations were completed by February 2024 and handed back to their owners. The Suliman al-Sayegh residence was repurposed as a museum.
Future of Heritage Restoration
Beyond Mosul, other heritage restoration projects are underway globally. Lina Ghotmeh – Architecture is transforming a historic residence in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, into a museum for Jadidism. Studio KO is converting a 1912 industrial building in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, into the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA).
In July 2025, UNESCO added 26 new properties to the World Heritage List during its 47th session. This highlighted the role of local communities in safeguarding heritage, strengthened efforts to preserve African sites, and recognized remembrance sites and humanity's shared prehistory. These efforts underscore a global commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
