Al Noree Al Kaber Mosque: A Symbol of Mosul's Resilience

The Al Noree Al Kaber Mosque, historically known as Mosul's Great Mosque, held immense significance for the city's urban and religious life. Constructed in 1172-1173 by Nur ad-Din Zangi, it stood for centuries, its leaning minaret, Al-Hadba, becoming an iconic symbol of Mosul. The minaret's tilt, evident by the time the renowned traveler Ibn Battuta visited, earned it the nickname "the hunchback".In June 2014, the mosque gained notoriety when ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the formation of a new caliphate during a Friday prayer there. However, in 2017, as Iraqi forces closed in to expel the group, ISIS militants destroyed the mosque and its famous minaret. This act was seen as an official acknowledgement of defeat.In the wake of the destruction, UNESCO launched an international competition to select a design for the mosque's reconstruction. The winning design, by an Egyptian team, was finalized in May 2022 in collaboration with the University of Mosul and local experts. The reconstruction project, named "Revive the Spirit of Mosul," is funded by UNESCO, the United Arab Emirates, and other nations.The reconstruction involves preserving the essential features and main volumes of the structure, while also incorporating some improvements. During the preparatory work, archaeologists discovered four rooms dating back to the 12th century, believed to have been used for ablutions. These rooms will be preserved and displayed as a museum within the new mosque. The mosque has reopened for worship, and an official opening is expected during 2025.