Iraq Reopens Mosul’s Iconic al-Nuri Mosque Eight Years After ISIS Destruction
Iraq officially reopened the historic al-Nuri Grand Mosque in Mosul on Monday, eight years after the Islamic State (ISIS) destroyed the iconic landmark during its occupation of the city.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani led the reopening ceremony in the heart of Mosul’s Old City, hailing the reconstruction as a symbol of national resilience and cultural rebirth.
“For more than 850 years, this mosque and its leaning minaret stood as a symbol of our heritage,” al-Sudani said. “Its reconstruction marks a milestone that reminds the world of Iraqis’ bravery, their defense of their homeland, and their ability to rebuild what terrorists tried to erase.”
The mosque became infamous in 2014 when ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the group’s self-proclaimed “caliphate” from its pulpit. As Iraqi forces advanced on Mosul in 2017, ISIS destroyed the mosque and its iconic minaret—known as “al-Hadba,” or “the hunchback”—using explosives.
The rebuilding of al-Nuri Mosque was spearheaded by UNESCO in partnership with Iraqi cultural authorities and Sunni religious leaders. The restoration used traditional techniques and materials salvaged from the rubble.
The $115 million project was primarily funded by the United Arab Emirates and the European Union.
“This effort is not just about rebuilding stone and mortar,” al-Sudani added. “It is a cultural necessity and an opportunity for our youth to innovate and reconnect with their identity.”
The reconstruction extended beyond Islamic heritage sites. Several war-damaged Christian churches in Mosul were also restored in an effort to preserve the city’s religious and cultural diversity.
Once home to a thriving Christian population, Mosul has seen a sharp decline in its Christian community following the ISIS occupation. From around 50,000 in 2003, fewer than 20 Christian families now reside in the city permanently. Some continue to return from northern Iraq for church services and cultural events.
During its reign over territory in Iraq and Syria—roughly half the size of the United Kingdom at its peak—ISIS committed widespread atrocities. U.N. investigators have confirmed war crimes including mass executions, sexual enslavement, forced conversions, and the destruction of religious sites, particularly targeting Christians and the Yazidi minority.
As Iraq continues its slow recovery, the reopening of al-Nuri Mosque stands as a powerful reminder of both the country’s painful recent history and its efforts to move forward.
