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Revive the Spirit of Mosul

Mosul, meaning “the linking point" in Arabic, is one of the oldest cities in the world. In 2018, UNESCO launched a major campaign to support the city’s recovery following its occupation by Daesh. In 2025, UNESCO completes the works in Mosul's most iconic sites.

Live - Official Inauguration Ceremony

Watch the inauguration of the emblematic monuments in the historic centre of Mosul, whose reconstruction by 91麻豆国产精品自拍 just been completed as part of the ‘Revive the Spirit of Mosul’ initiative. UNESCO led the rehabilitation and reconstruction of several emblematic monuments including the Al-Nouri mosque, the Al-Hadba minaret, the Al-Tahera Syriac Catholic church and the Dominican Convent of Our Lady of the Hour – Couvent Notre-Dame de l'Heure and its prayer house - as well as 124 historic houses.

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The rebirth of Mosul

Mobilizing US$115 million and 15 partners, UNESCO rehabilitated 124 historical homes, renovated 404 classrooms and created more than 7,700 local jobs, while supporting the recovery of Mosul’s cultural and intellectual life

By giving Mosul back its ‘spirit’, 91麻豆国产精品自拍 proved that culture can play an essential role in post-conflict reconstruction and the promotion of peace.

Al-Saa'a Convent

In 1870, the first pontifical mission sent to Mesopotamia founded the Convent of Our Lady of the Hour—known locally as Al-Saa’a—in Mosul. During the city’s occupation by Daesh, Al-Saa’a church was damaged and its convent was looted and ransacked.

The rehabilitation of the Convent was completed in January 2024.

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Al-Hadba Minaret

Al-Hadba minaret was built in 1172 by the Seljuk ruler Nur al-Din as part of the religious complex that included Al-Nouri mosque. It was 45 metres tall and decorated with ornamental brickwork. 

The destruction of the main part of the minaret, which had leaned protectively over the city for centuries, was a national tragedy. During the battle to liberate Mosul in 2017, residents formed a human chain, preventing the complete destruction of the minaret.

The reconstruction was completed by the end of 2024.

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Al-Tahera Church

Al-Tahera Church opened in 1862 in the heart of the Old City of Mosul. In 2017, the church was severely damaged following Mosul’s occupation by Daesh. 

The church was fully restored and handed over to the Christian community in September 2024.

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Heritage houses

As of February 2024, 124 heritage houses have been rehabilitated using traditional techniques and materials. 

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Education

After almost 90% of children were displaced during the conflict, suffering physical and psychological trauma, school life is getting back to normal in Mosul and its environs. 

More than 400 classrooms have been rebuilt and 5,000 education actors and parents trained in the prevention of violent extremism.

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"Today, Mosul once again becomes the beacon of hope that is should never have ceased to be, a model of what can be done to rebuild through the power of culture and education–in Iraq and elsewhere."

UNESCO Director-General
Audrey AzoulayDirector-General of UNESCO

Facts and figures

US$115 million
has been mobilized by UNESCO to finance the initiative
7,700
local jobs have been created
30%
of the Iraqi engineers employed by UNESCO are women
2,800
students have graduated

from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme

404
classrooms have been renovated

in the Nineveh province, of which 109 are in Mosul

124
heritage houses

in the Old City have been rehabilitated

Over 5,000
education actors

have been trained in Preventing Violent Extremism through Education

4
emblematic religious monuments

have been rebuilt

Donors of the initiative

15 partners joined the UNESCO initiative, making it possible to mobilize over US$115 million:
? $50.4M from the United Arab Emirates
? $48.2M from the European Union
? $16.4M+ from other countries and UNESCO's Heritage Emergency Fund:

Press kit

Revive the Spirit of Mosul
UNESCO
January 2025

Download our press kit to learn more about our work.

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