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

MENA

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

Houses some of the books burnt by ISIS

The National

February 20, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic
Updated: February 20, 2022, 1:00 PM
IraqPhotography