Mosul Mosaic: Restoration of the Chaldean Al Tahira Church in Mosul

The Chaldean Church of Al-Tahira in Mosul, built in the 18th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, has long been a pilgrimage site for Christians and for Muslims. The church is an outstanding example of the unique Mosul architectural and decoration style, characterized by bas-reliefs and calligraphy. It was damaged during the Daesh occupation of the city and the dome above the choir collapsed.

In cooperation with the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH), a team of French and local experts, led by l'Oeuvre d'Orient, is undertaking the rehabilitation of the Church. The project is likewise creating job opportunities for the local people and on-the-job training for local conservation professionals.

This project is part of the Mosul Mosaic initiative aiming to preserve the cultural heritage of Mosul in its religious diversity. In December 2020, with the support of the Governor of Nineveh and the SBAH, the Iraqi Army cleared the site of explosive remnants of war, allowing the rehabilitation work to begin.