Terrorist fighters with ISIL/Da'esh invaded Iraq's second city of Mosul in 2014, destroying centuries-old landmarks in a bid to erase its history and impose a bleak and repressive future on the nearly two million people who lived there.
Now, with UN support, Mosul has risen from the ashes of war and its historic monuments which had been reduced to rubble, dot the skyline once again.
The devastating nine-month-long battle to liberate the city from the terrorist group killed 10,000 civilians, leaving it in ruins.
In less than seven years, reconstruction has revitalised the city, with robust support from UN agencies and international partners, like Japan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the European Union.
International cooperation builds lasting legacy
The intensity of the fighting between the terrorists and Iraqi ground forces - supported by US-led coalition airstrikes - left many priceless buildings completely or partially destroyed, including the famous 12th century Al-Nouri Mosque.
UN agencies forged action plans with local authorities and international partners to rebuild the war-torn city.
Teams tackled the enormous challenges, from recycling rubble and removing unexploded bombs, to rebuilding classrooms and centuries-old landmarks while re-energising the Moslawi spirit.
Reviving the spirit of Mosul
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ) joined those efforts in 2018, with a budget of $115 million and 15 partners, including the UAE and the European Union.
The Revive the Spirit of Mosul project drafted plans to resurrect historic landmarks, classrooms and homes alongside the vibrant essence of a reborn city.
Learn more about the plans here .
Blueprints amid the rubble
The rebuilding plans unfolded at a steady pace.
To document the dramatic transformation, young Iraqi filmmakers set out to track the recovery in a UNESCO -supported video series.
Its 48 episodes captured the human dimension of the city's rejuvenation, telling the poignant stories of Moslawis alongside their hopes and dreams for their beloved city.
Watch the full series here .
Safety comes first
When a conflict ends, unexploded remnants of war must be safely removed as they pose deadly threats long after the guns go silent.
First, safety was ensured for civilians returning to their neighbourhoods.
To address those dangers, a UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) team was deployed to search for and clear unexploded ordnance among the rubble.
Dealing with 8 million tonnes of debris
To deal with an estimated seven to eight million tonnes of debris created by the battle for Mosul, the UN Environment Programme ( UNEP ) and the International Organization for Migration ( IOM ) joined forces in 2021 with local authorities to establish the city's first debris recycling centre.
"By processing the rubble to produce quality materials that can be used in reconstruction efforts, creating much needed job opportunities for returnees and cleaning-up the urban environment, this initiative practically illustrates how humanitarian needs and sustainable development goals can be addressed in a joint manner," Dr. Jassim Humadi, Iraq's Deputy Environment Minister, said at the time.
The local population welcomed the project.
"Young people in our village view debris recycling as a golden chance in terms of job creation, which additionally, by clearing the rubble, is allowing us to return and rebuild our homes," added Mijbel Mar'i, a 24-year-old day labourer.
