The Al-Hadba minaret in Mosul, Iraq, has been rebuilt, restoring its historic presence after being destroyed during ISIS rule. Known as the “hunchback” minaret, it earned its name due to its leaning shape.
Unesco spearheaded the restoration of this architectural marvel, which stands as part of the Al-Nuri Mosque, utilising original brickwork in the reconstruction process.
Abdullah Mahmoud from Iraq’s antiquities department expressed the significance: “Al-Hadba is our identity, and restoring it means the city has reclaimed its identity”. The 12th-century structure maintains its distinctive 160-centimetre lean, identical to its tilt in the 1960.
The Al-Nuri Mosque, where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed his self-styled caliphate in July 2014, was razed in June 2017 during Mosul’s liberation battle. Iraqi officials stated that IS forces planted explosives before withdrawing.
The five-year Unesco restoration incorporated 26,000 original bricks for the exterior, with 96,000 new bricks added internally for structural support. The foundation received additional reinforcement to stabilise the tilt.
The restoration effort extended to the mosque’s columns, dome and courtyard. The mihrab was restored using original stonework, whilst the minbar required substantial reconstruction due to missing original components.
Former muezzin Imad Zaki observes the restoration daily, stating: “Every day I stand here for an hour to watch as they are restored to their original state. Today one can feel the spirituality. It’s as if our souls have finally found peace.”
Unesco’s broader restoration initiative includes the Al-Tahira Church from 1862, featuring reconstructed arcades, pillars and stained-glass windows. Archaeological discoveries include an underground cellar and wine vessels, now displayed beneath glass flooring.
Unesco Iraq’s senior project manager Maria Acetoso noted the transformation: “When I arrived here in 2019, it looked like a ghost city. In five years plus, there has been a massive change.”
Despite progress, Mosul’s recovery continues. The clearance of 12,000 tonnes of debris was necessary for landmark restoration, whilst numerous neighbourhoods remain damaged.
In the Old City, buildings marked ‘safe’ in red indicate explosive clearance. Many former inhabitants, particularly Christians, await return.
Mohammed Kassem, now residing in a new dwelling, believes the city requires further reconstruction and the return of its original residents, particularly the Christian community.
Saad Mohammed, 65, residing opposite Al-Nuri Mosque, recounts the IS period: “We opened the window once and saw the black IS flag on top of the minaret. Then we opened it again, and the minaret was gone.” Now, with restored landmarks, he remarks, “Today the minaret has risen again. Now we feel safe.”