The Rebirth of Mosul’s ‘Hunchback’ Minaret: A Symbol of Resilience and Hope

Mosul, Iraq, once a thriving cultural and historical center, saw its identity shattered under the rule of the Islamic State (IS). The city bore immense destruction, particularly to its iconic landmarks, including the Al-Hadba minaret, also known as the "Hunchback," which stood tall for centuries as part of the revered Al-Nuri Mosque. This minaret, which had leaned precariously for years, was reduced to rubble in 2017 during the battle to liberate Mosul from IS control. Today, after years of careful restoration, the historic structure has risen again, symbolizing the resilience of Mosul and its people.

A Landmark Rebuilt with History Intact

The Al-Hadba minaret, a treasured piece of Islamic architecture dating back to the 12th century, was a defining feature of Mosul’s skyline. Its significance was amplified when former IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared his so-called "caliphate" from the Al-Nuri Mosque in 2014, marking the beginning of a brutal reign of terror. As IS lost ground, the group destroyed both the mosque and the minaret in a last-ditch effort to erase symbols of Iraq’s heritage.

Now, after five years of painstaking restoration efforts led by UNESCO, the Al-Hadba minaret has been rebuilt using its original bricks, maintaining its historical authenticity. The project ensured that the minaret's signature tilt remained at 160 centimeters (63 inches), just as it was before its destruction. To prevent future instability, engineers reinforced its foundation while preserving the architectural legacy that made the structure famous.

Preserving Identity and Culture

For the people of Mosul, the restoration of the Al-Hadba minaret is more than just an architectural achievement—it is a restoration of identity. As Abdullah Mahmoud from Iraq’s department of antiquities noted, "Al-Hadba is our identity, and by restoring it, the identity of the city has been reclaimed." The effort involved using 96,000 new bricks for internal support while retaining 26,000 original bricks on the exterior to maintain its historic character.

Mosul’s transformation has not been limited to the minaret. The UNESCO-led initiative also worked on reviving the Al-Nuri Mosque, as well as two major churches—Al-Tahira and Our Lady of the Hour. The churches, once vandalized and abandoned, now stand as a testament to Mosul’s multicultural past and the hope of rebuilding a diverse and thriving community.

A City Rising from the Ruins

The scars of IS rule are still visible throughout Mosul. More than 80% of the city's old quarters were destroyed during the conflict, and remnants of war, including ruined homes and streets marked "safe" after being cleared of explosives, serve as reminders of the horrors endured by its residents. However, despite these challenges, Mosul is gradually coming back to life.

Inhabitants like Imad Zaki, a former muezzin of the mosque, have eagerly watched the restoration unfold, standing by daily to witness the return of Mosul’s cherished landmarks. Many believe that the revival of these historical sites will encourage displaced residents, including Christians who fled during the conflict, to return and rebuild their lives.

Hope for the Future

For the people of Mosul, the restoration of the Al-Hadba minaret and other landmarks signifies a new beginning. With the support of UNESCO and international efforts, Mosul is regaining its lost heritage. Iraqi authorities are set to inaugurate the newly restored sites, bringing global attention to the city’s resilience and determination to heal.

Though Mosul still has a long road ahead, the rebirth of its "Hunchback" minaret serves as a powerful symbol: no matter the destruction, history and culture can never truly be erased.