A brief history of UNESCO's Initiative “Revive the Spirit of Mosul”
Mosul means “the linking point” in Arabic. Over the past 2500 years, the city has been a bridge between regions to the north and south, and to the east and west.
Due to its location, it became a melting pot of diverse cultures and groups, a crucible of Iraq’s pluralistic identity marked by the co-existence of its various ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups.
The rich heritage of the Old City of Mosul, with its intricate labyrinth of small streets had long been well-preserved with monuments and buildings blending elements of Islamic and Nestorian Christian architecture and decorative arts.
The built heritage of the Old City of Mosul reflected the interchange of values of tolerance and co-existence through many centuries.
It is because Mosul was so singular, so multicultural, so steeped in interreligious dialogue that it was suddenly targeted by Daesh.
The invasion of the city in June 2014, its occupation for three years and the subsequent battle for its liberation in July 2017, caused the destruction of 80% of the Old city.
The spirit of Mosul was shattered.