Al-Nuri Mosque and Al-Hadba Minaret

The Great Mosque of al-Nuri was founded in the twelfth century by Nur al-Din Zangi, and its minaret, al-Hadba, the hunchback, leaned several metres out of true and had done so for centuries, becoming the emblem of Mosul and appearing on the Iraqi banknote. Both the mosque and the minaret were destroyed in 2017. Since 2018 a UNESCO-led programme funded largely by the United Arab Emirates has been rebuilding them, using recovered original brick where possible and reconstructing the minaret with its historic lean rather than straight, a decision that was debated and settled in favour of the form people remembered. Work on the mosque, the minaret and neighbouring churches has run together as one project for the old city.

What you actually see

• The rebuilt minaret - al-Hadba reconstructed with its historic lean.
• The mosque courtyard - the congregational plan restored on its old lines.
• Recovered brickwork - original material reset into the new fabric.
• The old city around - reconstruction across the whole quarter.

When to go

October to April; Mosul summers are severe. Access depends on the state of the reconstruction programme, which has proceeded in phases, so current information is essential before travelling.

Honest expectations

What stands is reconstruction, and the debate over rebuilding the lean rather than a straight minaret is part of the site's story. Areas of the old city remain under works and access varies. Current advice on visiting Mosul should be sought.

Nearby

Nineveh lies across the river; the old city surrounds the mosque.