UNESCO has unveiled plans to reconstruct the ruined Al-Nouri Mosque complex in Mosul, Iraq, with enclosed gardens, perforated brick buildings and more facilities for women.
Set to begin construction late in 2021, the project follows the destruction of the 12th-century mosque in 2017 by the jihadist group Islamic State during the Battle of Mosul.
The proposal, named Courtyards Dialogue, was drawn up by the Egyptian architects Salah El Din Samir Hareedy, Khaled Farid El-Deeb, Sherif Farag Ebrahim, Tarek Ali Mohamed, Noha Mansour Ryan, Hager Abdel Ghani Gad, Mahmoud Saad Gamal and Yousra Muhamed El-Baha.
Project to play part in "war-torn city's reconciliation"
Courtyard Dialogue was selected through an architectural competition held by UNESCO as part of its Revive the Spirit of Mosul project. As its name suggests, the project is an attempt to rehabilitate the city of Mosul after it was heavily damaged during its occupation by Islamic State militants between 2014 and 2017.
The new Al-Nouri Mosque will have brick buildings and enclosed gardens
"The reconstruction of Al-Nouri Mosque complex, a historical site that is part of Mosul's fabric and history, will be a landmark in the process of advancing the war-torn city's reconciliation and social cohesion," explained Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General.
"Heritage sites and historical monuments are powerful catalysts for people's sense of belonging, of community, and identity. They are key to reviving the...