In the old city of Mosul, March 7 marked a significant step in the restoration of Iraqi cultural heritage. The Al-Masfi mosque, symbol of the region's millennial history, has reopened its doors. A look back at an event full of culture and pride.
In the presence of representatives of the Office of Antiquities and Heritage, the Sunni Waqf, the advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, the director of ALIPH, Valéry Freland, and the vice-president of La Guilde, Hugues Dewavrin, the ceremony symbolized a moment of renewal and hope for the city sadly ravaged by conflicts.
The rehabilitation project, coordinated by the architect of La Guilde, Jean-Paul Lemdjedri, began at the end of 2022 after the demining of the site, and required several years of effort. Under the supervision of La Guilde's Programs department, led by Baptiste Violi, a team of architects, restorers and engineers, mainly Iraqi and French, was mobilized to bring this historic place of worship back to life.
Key players included Iraqi firm Al Tameer, heritage architect Guillaume de Beaurepaire, Atelier d'Architecture Lalo, design firm Atelier Ergon and archaeologist Andrew Petersen from the University of Wales. Their collaboration demonstrates the importance of unity and joint efforts in preserving world heritage.
Situated on the site of the city's oldest mosque, dating from the 7th century, the Al-Masfi Mosque holds invaluable symbolic importance for the local population. Its reopening, three days before the start of Ramadan, is a revealing testimony to the resilience and hope that animate the Mosul community.
A special thank you to the ALIPH foundation for its support throughout the rehabilitation process. Resolutely committed to the preservation of world heritage in conflict zones, their support was essential in the realization of this project.
In Mosul, as elsewhere, La Guilde continues to work to preserve certain heritage sites, reconstructing buildings steeped in history, mute witnesses of bygone eras. Driven by the desire to pass on to younger generations a heritage where the link between history, craftsmanship and identity remains essential, La Guilde embodies the hope of a future where cultural heritage is preserved and celebrated for our children, our history, our cultures .
