Mosul University Central Library reopens!
On Saturday February 19, the Central Library of Mosul University officially opened its doors once more, after a two-year restoration project (with delays incurred by the COVID-19 pandemic), following infamous looting and burning under the Islamic State group. The notable achievement was marked with a reopening event in the theatre hall of Iraq's second-largest university, attended by officials, politicians, diplomats, members of the press - and students, over a thousand of whom can now enjoy the plush, newly-rehabilitated library at any one time.
The library was founded in 1921 and second only to Baghdad’s central library, containing between 8,000 to 10,000 books and manuscripts. Now, the sleek, black glass building has the capacity to house more than 100,000 books; with an initial 32,000, and far more expected to arrive from across the world over the coming weeks and months.
Mosul fell to ISIS in June 2014 and was retaken in mid-2017 following intense battles across the city. Estimates vary, but it is thought the group burned between 8,000 to 10,000 of the library's books and manuscripts. In the restored building, one charred wall - and remnants of a book - can be seen behind a glass pane; a visual reminder of the destruction incurred. In total, around 85 percent of its collection was lost.
Senior officials from the Nineveh Governorate and representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Federal Republic of Germany in Iraq, both of whom provided funding towards the project, formally opened the library on Saturday.
It is a wonderful achievement for library director Sayf Al-Ashqar, especially, who has done so much to support the restoration project. I can't wait to browse its shelves...
The Central Library of Mosul University (exterior). Credit: Meethak Al-Khatib
A symbolic theatrical performance to mark the library's re-opening, in the university's (also recently reopened) Theatre Hall.
Credit: Meethak Al-Khatib
The "VIP" section of the audience... politicians, officials.
Credit: Meethak Al-Khatib
The Theatre Hall of Mosul University (interior). Credit: Meethak Al-Khatib
