May 16, 2025 – Mosul, Iraq
A long-lost gate from the 12th-century Al Nuri Mosque has been fully reconstructed and returned to its original position, decades after its fragments were first discovered and stored. The restoration is part of a broader UNESCO-led effort to revive cultural landmarks in Mosul, a city deeply scarred by war and ISIS occupation.
The gate, originally built during the Atabeg period under Seljuk ruler Nureddin Al Zinki, was reassembled using both newly unearthed pieces and historical fragments. Though no longer a functional entrance, it now stands as a powerful symbol of Mosul’s enduring heritage.
Archaeological teams also uncovered additional features beneath the mosque, including four rooms believed to be ablution spaces and various 12th-century artifacts. Visitors can now view original foundations beneath a glass floor as part of the restored complex.
The project, funded in part by a $50.4 million contribution from the UAE, is nearing completion, with over 90% of the Al Nuri Mosque complex restored. The site includes the revitalized mihrab, manicured gardens, and the rebuilt Al Hadba minaret, a symbol of the city’s skyline.
“The mosque is an identity for the city of Mosul,” said Sheik Ahmed Rakan Al Ebadi. “It is a source of pride not only for every Mosuli citizen but for every Iraqi citizen.”
Source: The National News