Architecture plays an essential role in building strong ties between communities and creating a shared society. UNESCO's initiative to revive the spirit of Mosul, whose emblematic worksites have just been completed, is yet another reminder of just how important this art form is for communities to recover after a tragedy and come together around a shared history. Through this exhibition, visitors will be able to discover not only the technical challenges posed by reconstruction, but also the human endeavour that made it possible.
Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General
An architectural retrospective of the 'Revive the Spirit of Mosul' initiative
This exhibition will highlight the 'Revive the Spirit of Mosul' initiative, the largest reconstruction programme led directly by UNESCO since its creation. It has enabled the rehabilitation and reconstruction of emblematic sites including the Al-Nouri Mosque and its Al-Hadba minaret, the Our Lady of the Hour Convent and its House of Prayer, the Al-Tahera Church, as well as 124 heritage houses and buildings in the Old City of Mosul.
Through models, technical documents, photos and videos, the exhibition will present the different stages of reconstruction and the technical challenges that were overcome. It will also highlight the traditional skills used by workers and craftsmen to rebuild these sites to their original state, while training a new generation of Iraqi restorers, engineers and architects. It will also pay tribute to the uniquely diverse identity of Mosul, which for more than 2,500 years was a meeting point for different religious and cultural communities.
The exhibition will provide an opportunity to highlight the human aspect of this historic project, born from the aspirations of the local population and made possible by UNESCO's mobilization of the international community. Finally, it will highlight how the initiative "Revive the Spirit of Mosul" can become a model for post-conflict reconstructions elsewhere in the world.
The Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, an emblematic setting
An essential part of the 'Venice and its Lagoon' site, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1987, the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana shares many of UNESCO's commitments, such as preserving documentary heritage, raising awareness of intercultural dialogue and disseminating knowledge to as many people as possible.
By hosting this exhibition, the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana is further strengthening its ties with UNESCO. The scenography will create a unique dialogue between the architecture of Mosul and the library's masterpieces, including paintings by Titian and Tintoretto.
About UNESCO's initiative "Revive the Spirit of Mosul"
A multicultural city, so steeped in interreligious dialogue, Mosul was suddenly targeted by Daesh in June 2014. During its occupation for three years and the subsequent battle for its liberation in July 2017, 80% of the Old City, including its rich heritage, was destroyed. Thousands of its inhabitants were left scarred and in need of massive humanitarian support. The spirit of Mosul was shattered. "Revive the Spirit of Mosul" is one of UNESCO's most ambitious reconstruction campaigns yet. It was particularly complex because of the unique heritage value of the sites and monuments that UNESCO rebuilt.
