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Revive the Spirit of Mosul

Mosul, Iraq

2018 - Ongoing
Cultural HeritageCultureHistoric CityPost-conflict Reconstruction

Project Description

Approach Words: City Identity, Heritage Preservation, Urban Livability

Public Policy Instruments: Physical Intervention, Planning

Revive the Spirit of Mosul is a post-war recovery initiative for the Old City of Mosul,1 one of Iraq’s most iconic and historically significant cities.2 The project is an UNESCO-led initiative in one of the oldest cities in the world.3 As part of the United Nations’ Crisis Response and Resilience program,i it is designed to help Iraq’s government fast-track the social dimensions of reconstruction.4

It envisions “to restore Mosul’s identity as a center of cultural diversity5 and historical significance”,6 by rebuilding its architectural heritage and reinvigorating its educational and social fabric.7

Title: Old City of Mosul before Restoration

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Title: 3D View of al-Nouri Mosque complex after Restoration

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Title: Al Nouri Mosque after Rehabilitation and Still Under Construction

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Title: A big poster pinned on one of the streets, illustrating ‘Revive the Spirit of Musol’ Project.

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This initiative is structured around three mani pillars: heritage, culture, and education8 with targeted interventions under each, as follow:
(1) Heritage rehabilitation covering 124 heritage homes, 8 landmark buildings and institutions, including mosques, churches and schools:9 10

  • Al-Nouri Mosque and its Al-Hadba Minaret
  • Our Lady of the Hour and Al-Tahera Church
  • Suliman Al Sayegh and Al Zyada palatial houses
  • Al-Aghawat Mosque
  • Al-Ekhlas school
  • Mosul University Library
  • Public alleyways

(2) Cultural revitalization, creating inclusive community spaces, reactivating cultural life, and engaging education; includes the following components:11

  • Establishment of hubs for cultural and creative activities that bring together artists, intellectuals, and local communities.
  • Revival of Mosul’s cultural scene through festivals, musical performances, film screenings, and other public events.
  • Creation of the Community Information Center in the Old City along the Tigris River hosting heritage-based educational programs, student visits, and diverse cultural activities.

(3) Educational development; schools rehabilitation and implementation of peace education programs such as Preventing Violent Extremism through Education (PVE-E) programs.12

Owner/Developer (Public)

Iraqi Government21

Owner/Developer

UNESCO22

Contractor/Implementer

UNESCO24

Owner/Developer (Public)

Iraqi Government21

Owner/Developer

UNESCO22

Contractor/Implementer

UNESCO24

The initiative creates employment opportunities and trainings for local women and men, achieving the focus on gender equity, directly tied to the restoration and reconstruction of cultural heritage. This plays a crucial role in community-driven engagement and skills building, fostering social inclusion and peacebuilding in Iraq during this critical period.13

The project was initiated, led and implemented by UNESCO in partnership with the Iraqi Government.14 Other key partners are Mosul Municipality, Iraqi Ministry of Culture, and religious authorities. The project’s estimated cost is $ 7.5 million,15 funded by the European Union, the United Arab Emirates Government and other international partners (including ALIPH and UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund).16 17
In phases, reviving Mosul’s spirit project launched in 2018 with damage assessment.18 From 2019 until 2021, the reconstruction of Al-Nouri Mosque, churches and houses initiated. Additional restorations expanded with cultural and educational initiatives starting 2022 and continue until today.19 20

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