Al-Hadbaa Tower Travel Guide

The Al-Hadbaa Tower, meaning "the hunchback" in Arabic, is an iconic minaret in Mosul, Iraq, celebrated for its unique inclination. Constructed in 1172 by the Seljuk ruler Nur al-Din as part of the Al-Nouri Mosque complex, the 45-meter-tall structure quickly became a prominent symbol of the city. Its ornamental brickwork and distinctive lean, caused by environmental factors over centuries, made it instantly recognizable.Over time, the minaret's tilt became more pronounced, earning it the nickname "Al-Hadbaa". By the 14th century, the leaning was significant enough to be noted by travelers like Ibn Battuta. The minaret even appeared on the Iraqi 10,000 dinar banknote, further solidifying its status as a national symbol. For centuries, a muezzin would climb the tower's spiral staircase five times a day to call Muslims to prayer.In 2017, during the battle to liberate Mosul from ISIS, the minaret and mosque were destroyed by explosives. This act was seen as an attempt to erase Mosul's cultural identity. However, the destruction sparked a commitment to rebuild the landmark, and UNESCO launched a project to reconstruct the minaret using traditional materials and techniques. The reconstruction was completed in 2024, restoring the Al-Hadbaa minaret to its former glory, with its distinctive lean intact. Today, the Al-Hadbaa Tower stands as a symbol of Mosul's resilience, its rich history, and the hope for a brighter future.