When Muslims And Christians Join Hands To Rebuild Mosul

Ruins in Mosul. (Wikimedia Commons: H. Mourdock)

JAKARTA - Three years after the devastating battle against the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) group in 2017, Mosul, which is one of the historical cities in Iraq, is slowly improving.

The old city, which is one of the historical and cultural centers, is still filled with ruins. Including three historical religious buildings, Al-Nuri Mosque, Al-Saa'a Church and Al-Tahera

A project called 'Reviving The Spirit of Mosul', is being run by employing local people of all faiths. Working together to rebuild the three historic buildings.

"There is no problem, we are brothers. Brothers, there is no difference between Muslims, Christians and Yazidis. We live together," said Emad City Development Security Supervisor Sabri Abdul Ahad, told the BBC.

Al-Nuri Great Mosque. (Wikimedia Commons / Ennolenze)

Mosul's Old Town is home to a large number of churches and mosques. Built side by side with each other over the centuries, including the Great Mosque of al-Nuri. The minaret of the mosque was once a symbol of the city. but destroyed when recapture of Mosul from ISIS hands.

Under UNESCO, the city's building program was carried out, including a number of historical buildings. The engineers involved hope to restore these buildings using the original buildings.

The remains of the battle were still being cleaned up. The corpses, mines and mortars from the war had already been cleared by a specialist team.

"Of course when ISIS attacked we were separated from our Christian brothers for three years. But now we are very happy, to be able to work together again to rebuild Mosul. I am personally happy to see Muslims, Christians and Yazidis rebuild the city that we share together," explained Assistant City Development Coordinator Anas Ziad.

Illustration (Wikimedia Commons: Ruben Neugebauer / Jib Collective)

Meanwhile, Assistant Coordinator for City Development Omar Yasir Adil Taqa said his party had mobilized all city residents from various religions to work together to rebuild Mosul. They removed about 5,600 tonnes of debris.

"We encourage people to work here, for example Christians working in mosques and Muslims repairing churches. So this is the goal of this project," he explained.

On a separate occasion, the Head of Mosul Diocese, Father Emmanuel Raed Adel, said that his party is happy and welcomes this project. The project he called gave new hope for peaceful coexistence. In fact, Pope Francis plans to visit Mosul in March 2021.

"There are ruins in the city of Mosul, but in this city there is also a lot of hope and peaceful coexistence," explained the Pastor, who had fled in 2014 and has now returned, jointly carrying out the construction of Mosul.