Promoting cultural heritage in Mosul and Nineveh

Swiss partners

• UNIBE: Mirko Novák

MENA partners

• Mosul University : Omar Jassam Fathel Alhamo

Presentation of the project

No other city has suffered more from the devastation by the "Islamic State" and the destruction during its liberation than Mosul and the adjacent ancient Nineveh, both owing a rich cultural heritage. Many buildings such as the medieval Nuri Mosque and the Assyrian palaces and gates were destroyed and the museum was looted. Since the restoration of civil order, many of these buildings have been archaeologically investigated and partially rebuilt. This was achieved through a collaboration between state institutions, international and local universities, and local NGOs, in which numerous residents of Mosul were involved.

Nevertheless, there is still much to be done, not only to repair the damage, but also to carry out the reconstruction in accordance with UNESCO guidelines. In addition, the importance of cultural heritage needs to be communicated to both the local population and visitors from outside to raise awareness of this heritage and thus better protect it from renewed attacks, as well as to reactivate tourism in order to generate economic recovery.

There is no lack of commitment on the part of the city's residents, but rather of know-how regarding modern reconstruction and presentation mechanisms. Decades of war, embargo and civil war have led to a massive brain drain in Iraq, which is why this know-how is not available to the extent required.

This is where the proposed project comes in: together with the al-Noor University in Mosul and the NGO lamassu, both of which are leading the reconstruction programmes, a team from the Bern University would like to run a training programme in Mosul to impart precisely this expertise.

The University of Bern has begun archaeological research in the ancient site of Zabalam in the south of the country and is also conducting an SNSF Sinergia project on the Hydrography of Mesopotamia. During an excursion to Mosul, it came into contact with representatives of the two mentioned institutions, who are expected to make a return visit to Bern on 29 September. A cooperation agreement was reached and the applicant has been nominated as a visiting professor at al-Noor University.

The funds will be used to send a conservator, an archaeologist and a specialist in knowledge transfer to Mosul to conduct a one-week course. The funds are earmarked for travel, accommodation and meal expenses. Al-Noor University will cover the costs of the conference facilities and materials, while the University of Bern will cover the speakers' salaries.