Mosque in Mosul, once destroyed by IS, reopens for public worship

In a significant step towards peace and unity, the Great Mosque of Mosul and two churches in Iraq have been reopened more than eight years after they were destroyed by the Islamic State (IS). The restoration of these houses of worship is seen as a representation of peaceful coexistence and social cohesion in Iraq, and a symbol of resistance against terrorism.

The Great Mosque, also known as the Al-Nuri Mosque, dates back to the 12th century and held symbolic significance for the IS-proclaimed caliphate as IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi first appeared publicly there in early July 2014. Tragically, the mosque was blown up by IS in the summer of 2017 during the Iraqi army's attempt to retake the city from their control.

The rebuilding of the Great Mosque was assisted by UNESCO and the United Arab Emirates. The exact date of the reopening of the Al-Nuri Mosque under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani is not provided in the available search results. However, the event was described by al-Sudani as a symbol of resistance against terrorism.

The Hadba Minaret, accompanying the Great Mosque, has also been reopened. The reopening of the mosque and churches was overseen by Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani. The reopening of these religious sites signifies the rebuilding of the country, marking a significant milestone in Iraq's post-IS recovery.

Two churches destroyed by IS in Mosul have also been reopened. The reopening of these houses of worship is seen as a testament to the nation's commitment to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence. The restoration of these religious sites is a reminder of the resilience of the Iraqi people and their determination to reclaim their cultural heritage.

The reopening of the Great Mosque of Mosul and the churches is a significant step towards healing and unity in Iraq. As the country continues to rebuild, these restored religious sites serve as a beacon of hope and a symbol of the nation's commitment to peace and coexistence.