It’s not merely a gate. It’s a threshold to a memory restored at last.
Beneath the dust and shadow of war, remnants of the lost gate from the 12th-century Al Nuri Mosque in Mosul, Iraq have been lying in storage for nearly half a century.
Years after it was bombed by the terrorist group ISIS, new pieces have been unearthed amid reconstruction efforts led by a Unesco project partly funded by the UAE. The gate has eventually risen again, breathing life back into a lost chapter of Mosul’s soul.
“The gate was first discovered during the 1980s but the fragments were kept in storage rooms since then,” Abdul Rahman Emad, an archaeologist at Nineveh Antiquities Department, told The National.
“During recent excavations we did at the site, we discovered the two lost pieces, so we decided to retrieve the fragments from storage and to put them together with the new ones to reconstruct the gate,” Mr Emad said.
The stone gate, about 2.6 metre high and 2.4 metre wide, dates back to the Atabeg period nearly 850 years ago when the mosque was built by Nureddin Al Zinki, a Seljuk ruler of the Syrian province who famously unified Muslim forces against the Crusaders, Mr Emad added.
Its historical significance compels us to restore it and place it in the exact same location
Abdul Rahman Emad,
archaeologist at Nineveh Antiquities Department
It has now been reassembled and placed back in its original position in the mosque's wall. Though it no longer serves as a functional doorway, it stands as a powerful symbol – an enduring reminder of Mosul’s deep-rooted history.
“Its historical significance compels us to restore it and place it in the exact same location,” he said. “We want to return the mosque to its former state, with all its original details, because over the years it has undergone changes, developments and modifications,” Mr Emad added.
During reconstruction, teams made an exceptional archaeological discovery in 2021. When workers were examining the site to ensure the foundations were safe, they noticed gaps underneath which led them to a room that was largely buried. They discovered four rooms, now thought to have been used for ablutions, and the original prayer hall, dating back to the 12th century, unearthing coins, jars, pottery fragments and carved stone from the Atabeg era.
The extent of excavations was limited due to the fragility of the site. However, the older layers discovered have been integrated into the reconstruction design of the mosque, where visitors can see the original stones through a glass ceiling from the prayer hall.
Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, was the first in the country to fall into the hands of ISIS during their takeover of 2014-2017. From the pulpit in Al Nuri Mosque, ISIS declared its self-proclaimed "caliphate” in parts of Iraq and Syria in mid-2014. The extremists blew up its famous leaning minaret in June 2017 as they retreated from the last urban stronghold they held for almost three years of a ruinous war.
Identity of Mosul
In February, Unesco celebrated the completion of the restoration of the 45-metre minaret, as well as two nearby churches, as part of the $115 million Revive the Spirit of Mosul project. The UAE donated $50.4 million to restore the mosque and its Al Hadba minaret, as well as Our Lady of the Hour Convent, its House of Prayer and Al Tahera Church.
Today, more than 90 per cent of Al Nuri complex has been restored and handed over to Sunni Waqf in Nineveh before the official inauguration ceremony, said Sheik Ahmed Rakan Al Ebadi, spokesman for Sunni Waqf.
The restored complex radiates grandeur. Its gardens are lush with neatly manicured lawns and flowers, as the minaret, decorated with ornamental brickwork featuring floral and geometric designs, once again dominates the Mosul skyline with a gleaming copper crescent placed on the top.
The mihrab, a niche indicating the direction of Makkah, has been largely repaired using its original stones but the minbar, from where sermons are delivered, had to be predominantly rebuilt using new materials. Intricate patterns of geometric and floral designs are etched into the walls and pillars.
“The mosque is an identity for the city of Mosul and it is a source of pride not only for every Mosuli citizen but for every Iraqi citizen,” Sheik Al Ebadi said. The inauguration ceremony date will be determined soon.
“Al Hadba minaret today touches the sky and the mosque has been restored to its former glory – truly an indescribable feeling,” he added.
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
UK’s AI plan
- AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
- £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
- £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
- £250m to train new AI models
Company%C2%A0profile
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
If you go
Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
GAC GS8 Specs
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Range: 400km
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GULF MEN'S LEAGUE
Pool A Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Exiles, Dubai Tigers 2
Pool B Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jebel Ali Dragons, Dubai Knights Eagles, Dubai Tigers
Opening fixtures
Thursday, December 5
6.40pm, Pitch 8, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Dubai Knights Eagles
7pm, Pitch 2, Jebel Ali Dragons v Dubai Tigers
7pm, Pitch 4, Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Exiles
7pm, Pitch 5, Bahrain v Dubai Eagles 2
Recent winners
2018 Dubai Hurricanes
2017 Dubai Exiles
2016 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
2015 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
2014 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
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Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
What to watch out for:
Algae, waste coffee grounds and orange peels will be used in the pavilion's walls and gangways
The hulls of three ships will be used for the roof
The hulls will painted to make the largest Italian tricolour in the country’s history
Several pillars more than 20 metres high will support the structure
Roughly 15 tonnes of steel will be used
Listen to Extra Time
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Raghida, Szczepan Mazur (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: AF Alareeq, Connor Beasley, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
6pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-2 Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 2,200m
Winner: Basmah, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Liwa Oasis Group 2 (PA) Dh300,000 1,400m
Winner: AF Alwajel, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: SS Jalmod, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,600m
Winner: Trolius, Ryan Powell, Simon Crisford
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
'Cheb%20Khaled'
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