Iraqi Christians returned to a Catholic church in Mosul for the first time since it reopened after ISIS destroyed it. All photos: AFP
Iraqi Christians returned to a Catholic church in Mosul for the first time since it reopened after ISIS destroyed it. All photos: AFP
Mar Tuma Syriac Catholic Church, which dates back to the 19th century, had been used by ISIS as a prison or a court after the militants swept to power in Mosul in 2014.
Mar Tuma Syriac Catholic Church, which dates back to the 19th century, had been used by ISIS as a prison or a court after the militants swept to power in Mosul in 2014.
The church was heavily damaged during battles to liberate the city from ISIS and was also ransacked and vandalised by the terrorists.
The church was heavily damaged during battles to liberate the city from ISIS and was also ransacked and vandalised by the terrorists.
Thousands of Christians fled the northern Nineveh province where the church is situated, some to Iraq's nearby Kurdistan region. Many have never returned.
Thousands of Christians fled the northern Nineveh province where the church is situated, some to Iraq's nearby Kurdistan region. Many have never returned.
The Iraqi army eventually drove out the extremists after months of gruelling street fighting that devastated much of Mosul.
The Iraqi army eventually drove out the extremists after months of gruelling street fighting that devastated much of Mosul.
Christian worshippers attend mass at the Syriac Catholic Church of Mar Tuma (Saint Thomas) in Iraq's northern city of Mosul, on April 30, 2022, for the first time after its restoration as it was heavily damaged during battles to liberate the city from the Islamic State group. - The 19th century church had received with great fanfare in September a new bell of 285 Kg, cast at a Lebanese foundry and transported by plane thanks to donations from a French NGO, Fraternité en Irak, which has funded the work. (Photo by Zaid AL-OBEIDI / AFP)
Christian worshippers attend mass at the Syriac Catholic Church of Mar Tuma (Saint Thomas) in Iraq's northern city of Mosul, on April 30, 2022, for the first time after its restoration as it was heavily damaged during battles to liberate the city from the Islamic State group. - The 19th century church had received with great fanfare in September a new bell of 285 Kg, cast at a Lebanese foundry and transported by plane thanks to donations from a French NGO, Fraternité en Irak, which has funded the work. (Photo by Zaid AL-OBEIDI / AFP)
Priests lead mass at the Syriac Catholic Church of Mar Tuma. As part of the restoration, its marble floor has been dismantled and completely redone.
Priests lead mass at the Syriac Catholic Church of Mar Tuma. As part of the restoration, its marble floor has been dismantled and completely redone.
Despite the reopening, in some outbuildings and rooms on the first floor windows were broken and ISIS graffiti can still be seen. The repair work is continuing.
Despite the reopening, in some outbuildings and rooms on the first floor windows were broken and ISIS graffiti can still be seen. The repair work is continuing.
Iraq's Christian population has diminished to fewer than 400,000 from about 1.5 million before the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein.
Iraq's Christian population has diminished to fewer than 400,000 from about 1.5 million before the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein.
Several monasteries and churches are being renovated but reconstruction work is slow.
Several monasteries and churches are being renovated but reconstruction work is slow.

MENA

Iraq

Iraqi Christians rejoice as restored Mosul church holds first Mass

The Mar Tuma Syriac Catholic Church was vandalised by ISIS after terrorist group seized the northern city in 2014

The National

May 01, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Dozens of faithful celebrated Mass on Saturday at a Mosul church in northern Iraq for the first time since it was restored after its ransacking by ISIS militants.

The terrorist group swept into Mosul and proclaimed the city its "capital" in 2014, in an onslaught that forced hundreds of thousands of Christians in the northern Nineveh province to flee, some to Iraq's nearby Kurdistan region.

The Iraqi army drove out the extremist group three years later after months of gruelling street fighting that devastated the city.

The Mar Tuma Syriac Catholic Church, which dates back to the 19th century, was used by ISIS as a prison or a court.

Restoration work is continuing and its marble floor has been dismantled to be completely redone.

In September, a new bell was inaugurated at the church during a ceremony attended by dozens of worshippers.

Iraqi christians carry a large cross during the inauguration ceremony for a new bell at a church in the country's second city of Mosul. AFP
Iraqi christians carry a large cross during the inauguration ceremony for a new bell at a church in the country's second city of Mosul. AFP
The church bell was inaugurated at the Syriac Christian church of Mar Tuma on September 18, seven years after ISIS overran the city and proclaimed it their "capital", before they were driven out three years later by the Iraqi army. AFP
The church bell was inaugurated at the Syriac Christian church of Mar Tuma on September 18, seven years after ISIS overran the city and proclaimed it their "capital", before they were driven out three years later by the Iraqi army. AFP
Worshippers during the inauguration ceremony for the new bell. AFP
Worshippers during the inauguration ceremony for the new bell. AFP
A priest rings the newly inaugurated bell. AFP
A priest rings the newly inaugurated bell. AFP
The church of Mar Tuma, which dates back to the 19th century, was used by ISIS as a prison or a court. AFP
The church of Mar Tuma, which dates back to the 19th century, was used by ISIS as a prison or a court. AFP
Restoration work is in progress at the church. AFP
Restoration work is in progress at the church. AFP
The new bell weighing 285 kilograms was cast in Lebanon, with donations from a charity. AFP
The new bell weighing 285 kilograms was cast in Lebanon, with donations from a charity. AFP
The church's marble floor is being completely redone, as part of renovations. AFP
The church's marble floor is being completely redone, as part of renovations. AFP
Iraq's Christian community, which numbered more than 1.5 million in 2003 before the US-led invasion, has shrunk to about 400,000, reports say. AFP
Iraq's Christian community, which numbered more than 1.5 million in 2003 before the US-led invasion, has shrunk to about 400,000, reports say. AFP

The 285-kilogram bell cast in Lebanon rang out on Saturday to cries of joy before the Mass got under way.

The service began with worshippers who packed the church chanting hymns as an organist played.

"This is the most beautiful church in Iraq," said Father Pios Affas, 82, the delighted parish priest.

Father Affas also paid tribute to those behind the restoration work which, he said, had "brought the church back to its past glory, like the way it was 160 years ago".

Inside the church, ochre and grey marble shone in the nave, where the altar and colonnaded arches were restored and new stained glass installed.

ISIS had destroyed all Christian symbols, including the holy cross, and parts of the church were damaged by fire and shelling.

Artisans worked diligently to "clean the scorched marble" and restore it, Fraternity in Iraq, a French NGO that aids religious minorities and which helped fund the restoration, said this year.

Outbuildings and rooms on the first floor, where windows have been broken and ISIS graffiti can be seen, are due to be repaired.

Mosul and the surrounding plains of Nineveh were once home to one of the region's oldest Christian communities.

Iraq's Christian population has shrunk from about 1.5 million before the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein to fewer than 400,000.

Nineveh was left in ruins after three years of ISIS occupation, which ended in 2017 when Iraqi forces backed by US-led coalition air strikes pushed them out.

Several monasteries and churches are being renovated but reconstruction is slow and the Christian population that has fled has not returned.

In 2018, the UAE teamed up with United Nation’s cultural agency Unesco to rebuild the Al Tahera Church in Mosul as part of its support for post-ISIS reconstruction in the city. The project was later expanded to include the restoration of Al Saa’a Church.

Pope Francis made a historic visit to the region last year in a show of support for Iraq's Christian population.

With reporting from AFP

if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Where to Find Me by Alba Arikha
Alma Books 

Whiile you're here

SPECS

Toyota land Cruiser 2020 5.7L VXR

Engine: 5.7-litre V8

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 362hp

Torque: 530Nm

Price: Dh329,000 (base model 4.0L EXR Dh215,900)

Profile of Bitex UAE

Date of launch: November 2018

Founder: Monark Modi

Based: Business Bay, Dubai

Sector: Financial services

Size: Eight employees

Investors: Self-funded to date with $1m of personal savings

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
On Women's Day

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

'Worse than a prison sentence'

Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.

“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.

“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.

“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.

“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.

“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”

Brief scores:

Manchester City 2

Gundogan 27', De Bruyne 85'

Crystal Palace 3

Schlupp 33', Townsend 35', Milivojevic 51' (pen)

Man of the Match: Andros Townsend (Crystal Palace)

On Women's Day
Profile

Company: Libra Project

Based: Masdar City, ADGM, London and Delaware

Launch year: 2017

Size: A team of 12 with six employed full-time

Sector: Renewable energy

Funding: $500,000 in Series A funding from family and friends in 2018. A Series B round looking to raise $1.5m is now live.

On Women's Day
WE%20NO%20LONGER%20PREFER%20MOUNTAINS
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989

Director: Goran Hugo Olsson

Rating: 5/5

Five hymns the crowds can join in

Papal Mass will begin at 10.30am at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on Tuesday

Some 17 hymns will be sung by a 120-strong UAE choir

Five hymns will be rehearsed with crowds on Tuesday morning before the Pope arrives at stadium

‘Christ be our Light’ as the entrance song

‘All that I am’ for the offertory or during the symbolic offering of gifts at the altar

‘Make me a Channel of your Peace’ and ‘Soul of my Saviour’ for the communion

‘Tell out my Soul’ as the final hymn after the blessings from the Pope

The choir will also sing the hymn ‘Legions of Heaven’ in Arabic as ‘Assakiroo Sama’

There are 15 Arabic speakers from Syria, Lebanon and Jordan in the choir that comprises residents from the Philippines, India, France, Italy, America, Netherlands, Armenia and Indonesia

The choir will be accompanied by a brass ensemble and an organ

They will practice for the first time at the stadium on the eve of the public mass on Monday evening 

RESULT

Arsenal 0 Chelsea 3
Chelsea: Willian (40'), Batshuayi (42', 49')

Match info

Uefa Champions League Group H

Juventus v Valencia, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)

PROFILE OF CURE.FIT

Started: July 2016

Founders: Mukesh Bansal and Ankit Nagori

Based: Bangalore, India

Sector: Health & wellness

Size: 500 employees

Investment: $250 million

Investors: Accel, Oaktree Capital (US); Chiratae Ventures, Epiq Capital, Innoven Capital, Kalaari Capital, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Piramal Group’s Anand Piramal, Pratithi Investment Trust, Ratan Tata (India); and Unilever Ventures (Unilever’s global venture capital arm)

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If you go

The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.

The rooms
Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.

On Women's Day
While you're here
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups

Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.

Off-roading in the UAE: How to checklist
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Results
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How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
While you're here
The specs

Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now

Prophets of Rage

(Fantasy Records)

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SPECS

Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now

Record breaker
  • The most total field goals made in NBA history, as well as the most consecutive games scoring 10 or more points
  • The only player in NBA history to reach 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists
  • Four-time regular season MVP and four-time NBA Finals MVP
  • Six-time NBA All-Defensive selection. Rookie of the Year in 2004
  • The most All-NBA selections with 21 in a row, including a record 13 first team selections
  • The most consecutive All-Star selections with 21
  • The only player to play alongside his son; Bronny James was chosen by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA draft
Indoor cricket in a nutshell

Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side

8 There are eight players per team

9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.

5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls

4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership

Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.

Zones

A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs

B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run

C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs

D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full

Company profile

Name: Thndr

Started: October 2020

Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: FinTech

Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000

Funding stage: series A; $20 million

Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC,  Rabacap and MSA Capital

Updated: May 01, 2022, 9:02 AM