French artist Louis-Cyprien Rials stands in front of the Muslim and Christian monumental doors that are part of The Doors of Mosul art project he leads to honour Mosul’s centuries-old rich cultural diversity that has been a victim of conflicts. Photo: Louis-Cyprien Rials
The project reimagines the city’s lost heritage, transforming the functional architecture of doors into sculptural monuments engraved on both sides. Photo: Louis-Cyprien Rials
The Muslim and Christian doors are now on display in the heart of the Old City just opposite to the famous leaning minaret of the 12th century of Al Nuri Mosque, which was destroyed by ISIS in 2017 and rebuilt by a UNESCO-led initiative partly funded by UAE. Photo: Louis-Cyprien Rials
Sahar Kharrufa, of the Doors of Mosul project, is an architect and academic at the University of Mosul, who documented the lost architectural elements of her hometown’s Old City in two books. Photo: Louis-Cyprien Rials
The delicate stone carvings that dance across the doors are more than just a testament to the artisans’ skill, they reflect the city’s own intricate and layered history and are a reminder of the role of art in healing communities affected by conflict. Photo: Louis-Cyprien Rials
Details of the door frames around Mosul's old city. Sinan Mahmoud/ The National
Details of the door frames around Mosul's old city. Sinan Mahmoud/ The National
Details of the door frames around Mosul's old city. Sinan Mahmoud/ The National
Details of the door frames around Mosul's old city. Sinan Mahmoud/ The National
Details of the door frames around Mosul's old city. Sinan Mahmoud/ The National
