Dubai (Etihad)
On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the liberation of Mosul from the yoke of violent extremism, UNESCO and its main partner, the United Arab Emirates, yesterday showcased images of the designs of the Al-Nuri Mosque and Al-Hadba Minaret, which are now being reconstructed as they were before.
In 2018, UNESCO launched a pioneering initiative entitled Reviving the Spirit of Mosul, and the United Arab Emirates was the first funder and partner for this initiative, allocating an amount of $50.4 million to it. After completing the extensive preparatory work that included documentation, demining, cleaning the site and clearing it of rubble, cleaning the stones of historical value and storing them for reuse, strengthening the structure, conducting surveys and consulting with the public, studying the field and soil tests, conducting archaeological excavations, and preparing executive designs, Work is now underway to rebuild the highlights of the old city.
designs pictures
The pictures published by UNESCO and the United Arab Emirates show the designs of the Al-Nuri Mosque and the Al-Hadba Minaret as they will appear in 2024 after the completion of the reconstruction work. It meets the needs of religious authorities and believers.
The images of the designs were prepared by EDD Architecture, which won the international architectural competition conducted in partnership with the University of Mosul to select a design for the reconstruction of the Al-Nuri Mosque. The designs came as a result of extensive consultation with the people of Mosul and local and national stakeholders, including government officials, university professors, historians, and intellectuals.
The mosque and minaret will be rebuilt using as many traditional materials as possible, and by reusing the heritage elements found in the ruins. The design also includes the archaeological discovery that, in early 2022, revealed the prayer hall, which dates back to the twelfth century.
Celebrating achievement
On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the liberation of Mosul, UNESCO opened an outdoor exhibition to embody the achievements of its initiative “Revive the Spirit of Mosul”, which is the reconstruction of heritage monuments, the reconstruction of ancient residential homes, the revival of cultural life, and the advancement of the education sector. This exhibition provides an opportunity to exchange information about the progress made by all the people of Mosul towards the reconstruction of their heritage, and to celebrate this great achievement.
Three pillars
The “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative, launched by UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, in 2018, is considered the most ambitious reconstruction campaign in the organization’s history in recent decades. This initiative is based on three main pillars: heritage, cultural life and education, as drivers essential to the recovery of Mosul.
Through the mobilization of local staff, their knowledge and practical experience, UNESCO is undertaking the reconstruction of notable landmarks that contain special symbolism: the Al-Nuri Mosque, the Al-Hadba Minaret, the Sa`ah and Al-Tahira churches, as well as a group of 124 historic homes and the Al-Ikhlas School. The United Nations agency is also concerned with reviving cultural life by supporting a range of diverse activities, such as establishing a film department at Mosul University and organizing a number of festivals. Education has a share in these efforts as well, through a major program concerned with preventing extremism.
More than $105 million has already been raised thanks to the support of 15 international partners, led by the United Arab Emirates and the European Union.
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