Media Center

Dr. Mounir Bouchenaki, Advisor to the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage, representing H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the ARC_WH‘s Board of Directors, attended the meetings held by the Iraqi cultural authorities under the supervision of UNESCO, earlier this week. The meetings aimed to discuss ways to follow up on the latest developments in the work on the project to restore historical sites in the city of Mosul, Iraq.

The meetings also shed lights on the revival of Mosul's rich artistic, cultural and scientific life; restoring many of the city's historical and heritage sites, including houses of worship, markets and old houses, as the city enjoys a rich cultural and civilizational history. The attendees also discussed the possibilities and ways of preparing the file for nomination and register of the city on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Iraqi city is home to many symbolic cultural history heritage, such as Al Nouri Mosque, which dates back to the 12th century and its famous Al Hadba Minaret. In 2018, UNESCO launched an initiative aimed at the restoration and reconstruction of the historic landmarks of Mosul, notably the emblematic Al-Nouri Mosque and its celebrated, leaning 45-metre Al-Hadba Minaret, built more than 840 years ago. The first year will focus on documenting and clearing the site as well as drawing up plans for its reconstruction. The following four years will focus on the restoration and historically faithful reconstruction of the Leaning Minaret, the Al-Nouri Mosque and adjacent buildings. The city’s historic gardens and other open spaces and infrastructures are also part of the plan, which foresees the building of a memorial and site museum. In addition, the initiative aimed at the revival of Mosul's rich artistic scientific life, the revitalization of educational and cultural institutions in the city of Mosul.