MOSUL, Iraq — Once one of Iraq’s most important Islamic sites, Mosul's Great Mosque of al-Nuri remains largely in ruins, restoration work mostly suspended for four months due to the spread of coronavirus. 

Dating back hundreds of years, the mosque was famously used by Islamic State (ISIS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi on July 4, 2014 to announce his caliphate, delivered from the mosque’s pulpit. 

The building was destroyed by the group in its last days of control over the city in 2017. 

In April, 2018, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), UNESCO and Iraq signed an agreement to rebuild the site as well as its 45-metre high al-Hadba Minaret, once a landmark of the city’s skyline. The UAE has contributed $50.4 million to the reconstruction.

The project involves documenting and clearing the site, as well as restoration and “historically faithful reconstruction” of the “Leaning Minaret,” the mosque and its adjacent buildings and gardens, according to UNESCO. 

The project also includes “the building of a memorial and site museum,” according to the organisation. 

ISIS controlled swathes of Iraq and Syria from summer 2014. However, the group has been declared defeated in both countries. 

Mosul was liberated on July 10, 2017 but a full ISIS defeat in Nineveh province was announced on July 21 of the same year.  

Photos: Bilind T. Abdullah / Rudaw