Key moments

Take a look back at the key moments of UNESCO's flagship initiative ‘Revive the Spirit of Mosul’.

Completion of Al-Hadba Minaret

July 2024: The project reached an important stage, with the restoration of Al-Hadba Minaret nearing completion. For the people of Mosul, Al-Hadba Minaret is much more than a monument. It embodies their history their pride, and their resilience in the face of adversity. Its reconstruction is an act of cultural resistance and a beacon of hope for the future.

The symbolic 100th house restored returned to its owners

July 2023: With support from the European Union, UNESCO restored 124 heritage houses, as well as their urban landscape. Reconstruction included the upgrading of the electrical network, septic tanks, drainage, road surfacing and public lighting.

UNESCO officially handed over the 100th heritage house, marking an important milestone in its work to restore the historic part of the city.

UNESCO’s Director-General visits Mosul

March 2023: The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, visited Mosul to review progress on the “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative, five years after its launch. Her visit marked the beginning of the final phase of reconstruction works for iconic monuments, heritage houses and churches, after years of war and occupation.

See the pictures of the visit

New bells for Al-Tahera Church and Al-Saa'a Convent

December 2022 - March 2023: New bells were installed at Al-Tahera Church and Al-Saa'a Convent, marking an important stage in the reconstruction of these heritage sites. Coming directly from France and Italy, these bells symbolized the strength of international cooperation in a project of this scale.

Read the story: A new set of bells for the Al-Saa'a Convent

Read the story: A new set of bells for the Al-Tahera Church

Discovery of an archaeological treasure

February 2022: During preparatory work on Al-Nouri mosque, an exceptional archaeological discovery was made: four rooms, probably used for ablutions, dating from the 12th century.

This remarkable archaeological find was integrated into the reconstruction design of Al-Nouri Mosque. The State Board of Antiquities and Heritage of Iraq is working with UNESCO to ensure that it is renovated and preserved as a museum where people can learn about the mosque’s history.

Read the story

Revive the Spirit of Mosul series

This series captures the human dimension that lies at the heart of UNESCO's Revive the Spirit of Mosul initiative, telling the stories of Moslawis and their hopes and dreams for the city.