The Paris-headquartered UNESCO announced on Tuesday that it has launched an International Architectural Competition for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Al-Nouri Mosque Complex in the Iraqi city of Mosul.

The project, funded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), would contribute to the rebuilding of Mosul after Daesh's occupation, the agency said in a press statement.

The competition, according to the statement, calls for a conceptual design, which includes the conservation of the standing structures of the prayer hall and its integration into the new buildings, as well as the rehabilitation of some historical buildings and their integration into the new designs, including the landscaping design of the entire site.

"By creating new spaces dedicated to the community - for education, social and cultural activities - the project envisions a space to serve community in ways which go beyond its principal religious function," the statement noted.

Built in in the second half of the 12th Century, the Al-Nouri complex has been a core site in the life and development of the city of Mosul.

The statement said there would be an open call for proposals based on design submission, which is open until 26 March 2021. The winner would be announced next spring (15th April 2021). 

It said an international jury composed of 9 members and 2 alternate members will select the winning designer and the four runners-up. The jury and its alternate members, in alphabetical order, are: Howayda Al-Harithy(Saudi Arabia), Ahmed Yousef Al-Omari (Iraq), Raya Ani (Iraq), Xavier Casanovas(Spain), Amel Chabbi, (United Arab Emirates),. Shahira Fahmy (Egypt), Dominique Perrault (France), Wang Shu, (China), Marina Tabassum (Bangladesh), Shadia Touqan, (Palestine) and Jerzy U?cinowicz, (Poland).

(Writing by Syed Ameen Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon)

(anoop.menon@refinitiv.com)

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