Minaret of the Erbil Citadel Grand Mosque II, Iraq

The Grand Mosque is located in the heart of the Erbil Citadel, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016. The earliest evidence of the existence of the Grand Mosque at the Citadel dates back to the 13th century, but the building has a much longer history. The Grand Mosque has undergone a number of alterations over the course of its existence, the last of which was a relatively insensitive one in the 1950s.

The minaret with its colorful decorative outer shell is a prominent feature of the mosque and is the subject of ongoing restoration work. Due to climatic factors, inappropriate repairs and alterations, this minaret has been severely damaged. The ongoing construction work includes the structural securing of the structure using helical reinforcements, grouting of cracks, repair of the staircase, repair and treatment of the metal and wooden parts, including the replacement of those elements that have been completely degraded (window frames, staircases…).

The most visible part of the ongoing work on the minaret is the gradual reconstruction and restoration of the heavily damaged colored decorative outer shell. The most damaged top and base of the minaret were covered in the past with concrete screed, which had to be sensitively demolished to expose the remains of the damaged elements of the original decoration. Documentation of the condition of the monument, including 3D modelling, was carried out during the works.

Youtube: Waar Li Hewlêrê 2 – Minare | وار ل هەولێرێ ٢ – منارە