غابات الموصل, Mosul Travel Guide

غابات الموصل, also known as Mosul Forest, is a cherished green space located on the left bank of the Tigris River in Mosul. Founded in 1954 as the Al-Hadbaa Model Forest, it initially covered only 10 donums. Over time, it expanded to approximately 900 donums and featured various trees like eucalyptus, aspen, cedar, elm, and pine.Until the mid-1980s, the forest thrived, but portions were later allocated for infrastructure projects such as the approaches to the Third and Fifth Bridges, the Nineveh International Hotel, Al-Sadeer Complex, the Tourist Village Complex, and the expansion of the main road. The Iran-Iraq War and subsequent economic sanctions led to tree cutting for fuel and neglect, diminishing the forest's density. Following 2003, security issues further degraded the area. In 2017, a fire damaged a large portion of the forest.Despite these challenges, غابات الموصل remains a significant natural area in the city, offering a respite and recreational opportunities. Though it has faced neglect, it remains a landmark and one of the few green spaces in Mosul.