Mosul’s ancient treasures return to the light

  • In the early 13th century, Al Nabi Yunus Mosque was built on what was believed to be the site of the grave of the Prophet Yunus, who is mentioned in the Quran. He also features, as Jonah, in the Bible. Photo: Ministry of Culture.
    In the early 13th century, Al Nabi Yunus Mosque was built on what was believed to be the site of the grave of the Prophet Yunus, who is mentioned in the Quran. He also features, as Jonah, in the Bible. Photo: Ministry of Culture.
  • Tour guide Harith Faris, 24, right, says recent archaeological discoveries around Mosul will help make his home city a tourist attraction. Photo: Harith Faris.
    Tour guide Harith Faris, 24, right, says recent archaeological discoveries around Mosul will help make his home city a tourist attraction. Photo: Harith Faris.
  • Although known about for centuries, the palace of the Assyrian King Esarhaddon – who ruled for 12 years in the early 7th century BC – had been hidden. Photo: Ministry of Culture
    Although known about for centuries, the palace of the Assyrian King Esarhaddon – who ruled for 12 years in the early 7th century BC – had been hidden. Photo: Ministry of Culture
  • After recapturing Mosul in January 2017 by US-backed Iraqi security forces, experts found a network of tunnels dug by ISIS militants. Photo: Ministry of Culture
    After recapturing Mosul in January 2017 by US-backed Iraqi security forces, experts found a network of tunnels dug by ISIS militants. Photo: Ministry of Culture
  • Harith Faris takes foreign tourists on a bike tour around Mosul. Photo: Harith Faris
    Harith Faris takes foreign tourists on a bike tour around Mosul. Photo: Harith Faris
  • Archaeologist Musab Mohammed Jassim shows discoveries in a tunnel network running under Al Nabi Yunus Mosque. Reuters
    Archaeologist Musab Mohammed Jassim shows discoveries in a tunnel network running under Al Nabi Yunus Mosque. Reuters
  • Mr Jassim examines relief carvings found in tunnels beneath the mosque. Reuters
    Mr Jassim examines relief carvings found in tunnels beneath the mosque. Reuters
  • An Iraqi soldier examines carvings in the tunnels. Two winged bulls dating from the Assyrian empire were found in the network dug by ISIS to carry out archaeological excavations. AFP
    An Iraqi soldier examines carvings in the tunnels. Two winged bulls dating from the Assyrian empire were found in the network dug by ISIS to carry out archaeological excavations. AFP
  • Layla Salih, head of antiquities for Nineveh province, shows a relief carving discovered in the tunnels beneath Al Nabi Yunus Mosque in Mosul. AFP
    Layla Salih, head of antiquities for Nineveh province, shows a relief carving discovered in the tunnels beneath Al Nabi Yunus Mosque in Mosul. AFP