Opening of Mosul University's new Central Library - in pictures


  • People attend the opening ceremony of the University of Mosul's Central Library, which has been rehabilitated after it was burnt by ISIS militants, in Mosul, Iraq. AFP
    People attend the opening ceremony of the University of Mosul's Central Library, which has been rehabilitated after it was burnt by ISIS militants, in Mosul, Iraq. AFP
  • The storied library of Iraq's Mosul University had a million titles before ISIS fighters rampaged through it. AFP
    The storied library of Iraq's Mosul University had a million titles before ISIS fighters rampaged through it. AFP
  • A man checks the books inside the new-look library. Reuters
    A man checks the books inside the new-look library. Reuters
  • Four floors high, the Central Library will have an initial 32,000 books. Reuters
    Four floors high, the Central Library will have an initial 32,000 books. Reuters
  • Almost five years after the defeat of ISIS, Mosul is trying to rebuild its reputation as a literature hub with countless booksellers and archives guarding rare manuscripts. AFP
    Almost five years after the defeat of ISIS, Mosul is trying to rebuild its reputation as a literature hub with countless booksellers and archives guarding rare manuscripts. AFP
  • Some of the historic books that were burnt by ISIS fighters. AFP
    Some of the historic books that were burnt by ISIS fighters. AFP
  • The library, refurbished with financing from a UN agency, is aiming to build a million-strong collection.
    The library, refurbished with financing from a UN agency, is aiming to build a million-strong collection.
  • Books retrieved after the ISIS attack. Some of the most valuable titles pillaged from the library were sold on the black market. AFP
    Books retrieved after the ISIS attack. Some of the most valuable titles pillaged from the library were sold on the black market. AFP
  • The new library also features a digital trove of e-books. AFP
    The new library also features a digital trove of e-books. AFP