Iraq News Now

But long before its association with the militants, Al Nouri was renowned locally for its 12th century leaning minaret. Named Al Hadba, or “the hunchback”, the off-kilter tower in time became a symbol of the entire city.

Nearly four years after fighting ended, much of Mosul’s Old City remains in ruins.

The historical value of the Old City’s vernacular architecture should be paramount in rebuilding, said Mosul archaeologist Junaid Al-Fakhri.

“Al Nouri mosque is part of Mosul’s DNA,” he said. “The mosque and the minaret are archaeological and historical sites that must be preserved, and no detail should be changed that reduces their archaeological value.”

He questioned why a more traditional restoration was not selected, such as the entry submitted by Mosul architect Husnya Jirgis, who wrote in her application that she wanted to maintain the mosque’s “original character and authenticity”.

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The winning Egyptian team said their submission “primarily addresses the need for social cohesion and revival of souls”.

UNESCO said the nine jurors on the selection panel included two Iraqis and that they consulted with representatives from the Iraqi prime minister’s office and the Ministry of Culture.

Paolo Fontani, the head of UNESCO in Iraq, said the mosque’s iconic minaret will be rebuilt as it was before, as will the prayer hall, which will be reconstructed using modern building materials to improve lighting and cooling.

Better landscaping and gardens around the mosque will make the complex more inviting, Fontani said, while a recently acquired lot adjacent to the mosque complex will include schools, a guesthouse and a centre for art and Islamic architecture.

This part will be “a little more forward looking,” Mr Fontani said of its architectural style. “There was nothing there before, there was a parking lot, we’re not destroying anything.”

“It’s a mix of modernity and tradition and this is what the jury liked,” he said.

The Telegraph, London