For the last entry of my Ramadan Series, here is some positive news… After its destruction in 2017, a committee lead by the UAE Minister of Culture has pledged to rebuild the 800-year-old mosque.

Built in 1172-1173, The Great Mosque of al-Nuri (Arabic: جامعالنوري‎, romanized: Jāmiʿ an-Nūrī) in Mosul (Iraq) was famous for its leaning minaret, which gave the city its nickname "the hunchback" (الحدباء al-Ḥadbāˈ). The mosque withstood various hostile invading forces over its 850-year history until it was destroyed with its distinctive minaret in the Battle of Mosul in 2017.

*The Nouri Mosque and its minaret (right) with a Yezidi shrine (left)*

Iraqi troops attributed the destruction of the Great Mosque to ISIL (or ISIS). ISIL's black flag had been flying on the 45-metre minaret after their militants surged across Iraq and Syria seizing territory, and they had promised to never let their flag be lowered from it. Contrary to official accounts and local eyewitnesses, ISIL alleged that U.S. forces destroyed it. ISIL's claim was not substantiated. The BBC reported that "IS accused the United States-led coalition aircraft of bombing the site, but experts said a video circulated online appeared to show charges inside the structures exploding."

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi stated that the destruction of the mosque by ISIL was a "declaration of defeat", and that "blowing up the al-Hadba minaret and the al-Nuri mosque amounts to an official acknowledgment of defeat [by ISIL].

In 2018, the UAE have launched the restoration of Mosul’s historic Al Nuri Great Mosque and Al Hadba minaret. HE Noura Al Kaabi, the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development declared that the UAE Government pledged to finance a USD 50.4 million. A joint committee was formed with the Iraqi Ministry of Culture, the UNESCO and other regional entities.

The UAE plans to create 1,000 jobs for young Iraqi graduates from Mosul and Baghdad during the five-year reconstruction project, ensuring they become a key fixture in the rebuilding of their city.

“The most important thing is that in 2023 we are going to enjoy a beautiful tour of the Grand Nouri mosque,” said Ms Al Kaabi. "The project is a model that highlights the role of the UAE in safeguarding world heritage and preserving cultural resources in conflict zones by adopting initiatives that ensure future generations preserve and enjoy their own historical and cultural sites” said the Minister. "It will also promote cultural tourism, support sustainable development of the Moslawi community, ensure a more prosperous future for the people of Iraq and nurture values of tolerance, peace and hope.”

Beside the reconstruction of the mosque, there is also a side project to support the local community demining the site.

Unesco representative in Iraq Louise Haxthausen (L), UAE Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development HE Noura Al Kaabi (C) and Iraqi Minister of Culture Firiyad Rawanduzi (R) give a joint press conference after the signing of an agreement on the reconstruction of Mosul's Al Nuri mosque on Monday at the Iraqi National Museum in Baghdad. AFP (April 2018) — *Unesco representative in Iraq* ***Louise Haxthausen*** *(L), UAE Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development* ***HE Noura Al Kaabi*** *(C) and Iraqi Minister of Culture* ***Firiyad Rawanduzi*** *(R) give a joint press conference after the signing of an agreement on the reconstruction of Mosul's Al Nuri mosque on Monday at the Iraqi National Museum in Baghdad. AFP (April 2018)*

There will be two phases: the first year of the project will involve assessing the foundations and clearing districts around the 12th century mosque of debris left from the nine-month offensive that drove ISIS out of the city, as well as demining. The second phase will see the development of the site, culminating in its completion by 2023.