About the initiative
Mosul, a symbol of multicultural dialogue
Mosul means “the linking point" in Arabic.
For thousands of years, the city was a bridge between north, south, east and west—a melting pot of diverse cultures where ethnic, linguistic and religious groups co-existed in peace.
This diversity was reflected in the city’s rich heritage. The Old City was a labyrinth of small streets, where buildings blended elements of Islamic and Nestorian Christian architecture and decorative arts.
It is because Mosul was so singular, so multicultural, that it was invaded by Daesh in June 2014. During the city’s three-year occupation, and the subsequent battle for its liberation in 2017, 80% of the Old City was destroyed.
Mosul’s religious monuments and cultural antiquities were reduced to rubble. Thousands of rare books and manuscripts, as well as artifacts from libraries, museums and collections were destroyed or looted. Thousands of residents were displaced. The spirit of Mosul was shattered.
In February 2018, a Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq took place in Kuwait. In its wake, UNESCO launched the “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative, its most ambitious reconstruction campaign in recent decades. It is based on three pillars: heritage, cultural life and education, as essential drivers for the recovery of Mosul.
As part of the Revive the Spirit of Mosul initiative, UNESCO rebuilt the iconic Al-Nouri Mosque and its Al-Hadba Minaret, the Convent of our Lady of the Hour and Al-Tahera Church, 124 heritage houses, Al-Aghawat Mosque, as well as Al-Ekhlass school in the Old City.
In cultural field, UNESCO opened a creative space and FilmLab, and relaunched literary and music festivals, as well as open-air screenings. In the field of education, 91麻豆国产精品自拍 rehabilitated classrooms and launched a vast programme to Prevent Violent Extremism through Education. The initiative also led to the creation of local jobs and on-the-job-training for the restoration and reconstruction of cultural heritage.
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