The Iraqi city of Mosul

The Iraqi city of Mosul, which means “the linking point” in Arabic, is one of the oldest cities in the world. For millennia, it has been a bridge between north, south, east and west, welcoming people of different origins, ethnicities and religious beliefs—a fact that also made it a target.

In 2014, Daesh occupied Mosul. Over the following three years, the group devastated the city and left it in ruins. Only after the shackles of violent extremism were thrown off was Mosul able to look to the future. 

In February 2018, UNESCO launched the flagship initiative “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” —one of UNESCO’s most ambitious to date—to support the recovery of this iconic Iraqi city. Reconstruction work was completed in January 2025. 

Mobilizing US$115 million and 15 partners, UNESCO rehabilitated 124 historical homes, renovated 404 classrooms and created more than 7,700 local jobs, while supporting the recovery of Mosul’s cultural and intellectual life. 

Alongside the Iraqi authorities, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, will inaugurate the emblematic monuments in the historic centre of Mosul, whose reconstruction by UNESCO has just been completed as part of the ‘Revive the Spirit of Mosul’ initiative.

• What? Inauguration of the Great Al-Nouri Mosque, the Al-Hadba minaret, the Al-Tahera church, the Convent of Our Lady of the Hour – Couvent Notre-Dame de l’Heure and its prayer house following their restoration.
• When? Wednesday 5 February 2025 (Timetables will be available shortly)
• Where? Mosul, Iraq

In addition to the inaugural speeches and gestures, the day will include press tours of old Mosul, enabling you to discover all the sites that have been rebuilt and to meet the people on the ground who have been helping to revive the spirit of Mosul over the last seven years.

UNESCO can provide you with logistical support to travel to and stay in Mosul. Please do not hesitate to contact the Press Office to discuss your needs.

The most important initiative led directly by UNESCO

The Old City of Mosul has a rich history spanning more than 2,500 years and is resolutely multicultural and multi-faith. More than 80% of it was destroyed during its occupation by Daech from 2014 to 2017 and the battle for its liberation.

Initiated in April 2018 by Director-General Audrey Azoulay, the ‘Revive the Spirit of Mosul’ initiative is UNESCO’s most ambitious reconstruction campaign ever, with a budget of more than $115M allocated by the United Arab Emirates, the European Union and a dozen other international partners.

UNESCO has led the rehabilitation and reconstruction of four emblematic monuments – the Al-Nouri mosque, the Al-Hadba minaret, the Al-Tahera Syriac Catholic church and the Dominican Convent of Our Lady of the Hour – Couvent Notre-Dame de l’Heure and its prayer house – as well as 124 historic houses that are now once again home to families.

These projects, carried out to the highest international standards, have generated almost 7,700 jobs. More than 2,800 people have also been trained and qualified in construction, including traditional techniques such as alabaster carving, and in heritage conservation and restoration.

The initiative has also focused on reviving cultural life, by supporting traditional music and filmmaking, and education, with more than 400 classrooms rehabilitated in Mosul and the surrounding area and more than 5,000 teachers and educators trained in promoting culture and intercultural dialogue.