In December, the terror organisation the Islamic State (IS) began its invasion of Iraq and captured first Ramadi and Falludja in Anbar in January 2014 and in June 2014 Mosul and Tikrit. At the end of June, the organisation had immediate control over northern Syria and Iraq and declared the Islamic State on 29 June 2014 and appointed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as caliph. The following terror especially against civilians and 'infidels' was a nightmare, consisting of confiscations and brutal persecution, enslavement of tens of thousands of Yazidis, as well as the complete destruction of infrastructure and archaeological and historical sites and monuments. The occupation had caused the displacement of nearly six million Iraqis - around 15% of the entire population of the country. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) was successful because of the weakness of the Iraqi forces and former Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's false restraint. When ISIL captured Mosul, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani issued a fatwa calling upon Iraqis to join the Iraqi security forces to help repel the IS threat. Instead of joining the Iraqi forces, people joined the newly formed paramilitary umbrella organisation performing under the name of Hashd al-Shabi, in English Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). 

Due to internal and external pressure, Nuri al-Maliki resigned and Haider al-Abadi took over on 19 August 2014. On 7 April 2015, Haider al-Abadi placed the PMF under the direct command of the prime minister's office, giving the organisation an official status, which included a payroll. On 16 October 2016, Haider al-Abadi declared the beginning of the assault to recapture the city of Mosul. The Battle of Mosul was a major military campaign by the Iraqi Government forces with PMF, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) with its Peshmerga and international forces to defeat ISIL. On 10 July 2017, an official declaration of victory for Mosul was proclaimed and on 9 December 2017 Iraq declared final victory over the Islamic State. 

ISIL left almost a third of Iraq in ruins. A comprehensive reconstruction began, including with international support. One internally displaced camp after another was able to be closed and the majority of people could return. Extensive programs were carried out such as in Mosul. In February 2018, UNESCO initiated the campaign "Revive the Spirit of Mosul''. The initiative aims at the reconstruction and recovery of the city and is conceived in partnership with the Iraqi Government. The program addresses three main pillars: Heritage, Cultural Life and Education. The campaign is supported by a huge international community. The most emblematic project of the Heritage pillar is the reconstruction of al-Nuri Mosque and its minaret al-Hadba, which is additionally supported by the United Arab Emirates. Other heritage projects emcompasses al-Aghwat Mosque, al-Saa'a Convent and al-Tahera Church. The reconstruction of houses and schools is a cooperation with the European Union. 124 historic houses in the old city of Mosul could be rebuilt. The pillar of Cultural Life concerns a comprehensive plan to restore cultural life and institutions. The Institute of Fine Arts was reconstructed and a filmlab established. In partnership with the NGO Action for Hope the programme "Listening to Iraq'' was launched. From 24 to 27 March 2022 the "Mosul Traditional Music Festival'' took place. Following a holistic approach of redevelopment, UNESCO launched the project "Prevention of Violent Extremism through Education (PVE-Education) addressing primarily school teachers and principals. The programme includes the needs of refugees, the displaced and tries to reduce risks of children by raising awareness about leftover ordnance and mines. For adults UNESCO had launched a very much needed technical and vocational education and training program (TVET). Another training program responded to the needs of heritage professionals and craftsmen.

This article was written by Hella Mewis and is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.