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Great Mosque of al-Nuri
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Landmark
The Great Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul, built in 1172 by the orders of Nur ad-Din Zengi, was one of the most important historical monuments in northern Iraq. The most famous element of the complex was the 45-meter-high cylindrical Al-Hadba minaret, which gradually leaned over the centuries, eventually deviating nearly 3 meters from the vertical axis. The tower was decorated with complex brick patterns divided into seven bands, considered masterpieces of Islamic geometric art. The mosque and minaret were destroyed during the siege of the city in June 2017. In 2018, UNESCO launched a comprehensive reconstruction program, supported by a 50 million dollar grant from the United Arab Emirates, aiming to restore the mosque and the leaning tower to their original forms utilizing surviving stones.
- Location: Iraq
- Top sights: Great Mosque of al-Nuri · Mosul Heritage Museum · The cemetery of Haj Ghanim al-Hardm
- Nearby: Amadiya (73 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 8 | 13 | 18 | 25 | 31 | 35 | 35 | 30 | 23 | 14 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 47 | 42 | 54 | 47 | 19 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 21 | 32 | 47 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Great Mosque of al-Nuri is a historic landmark that may not be fully accessible due to ongoing restoration work. The exterior and the famous leaning minaret can usually be viewed.
Typical hours
The site is generally accessible during the day, but exact hours vary depending on construction progress. A morning visit is recommended for the best light conditions for photos.
Photography
Photography of the minaret and exterior facade is generally allowed and very popular. Entering the construction site for photos without permission is not allowed.
Time needed
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes to view the exterior and the minaret. If you want to learn more about its history, budget one hour.
Combine with
The mosque is located in the heart of Mosul's old city, near the bazaars and the Church of Our Lady. A walk through the historic alleyways is recommended.
Getting there
The mosque is easily accessible by taxi or car as it is located in the city center. Parking in the area is limited, so a taxi is the best option.
Insider tip
Check in advance on the current status of restoration, as access may be restricted. A local guide can explain the history of the minaret and its significance.
Geography
Facts
- Construction of the mosque commenced in 1172 under the orders of Nur ad-Din Zengi.
- The Al-Hadba minaret stood 45 meters high prior to its destruction.
- By the 2010s, the inclination of the tower reached a deviation of nearly 3 meters from the vertical.
- The building complex was destroyed on June 21, 2017, during the siege of the city.
- The budget for the UNESCO reconstruction project amounts to 50 million dollars.
- Approximately 44,000 bricks from the original minaret are being reused during the restoration.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Great Mosque of al-Nuri (12)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Has the mosque been rebuilt after the destruction?
The reconstruction works led by UNESCO are still ongoing.
What was the most famous feature?
The leaning Al-Hadba minaret, which was over 800 years old.
Where is the ruin located?
In the Old City of Mosul, on the west bank of the Tigris.
Can the construction site be visited?
Access is often restricted or closed for security reasons.
Who originally built the mosque?
Nur ad-Din Zengi had it built in the 12th century.
Great Mosque of al-Nuri: where is it located?
Great Mosque of al-Nuri is located in Iraq.
Great Mosque of al-Nuri: what is there to see?
Highlights include Great Mosque of al-Nuri, Mosul Heritage Museum, The cemetery of Haj Ghanim al-Hardm.
Great Mosque of al-Nuri: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Great Mosque of al-Nuri: why is it worth visiting?
The Great Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul, built in 1172 by the orders of Nur ad-Din Zengi, was one of the most important historical monuments in northern Iraq.
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