Al-Hadba Minaret & Great Mosque of al-Nuri
The Great Mosque of al-Nuri and its iconic leaning minaret, Al-Hadba ('The Hunchback'), was constructed in 1172 CE by Nur ad-Din Zengi in the heart of Mosul's Old City. Standing 45 meters tall with a famous 2.5-meter tilt caused by thermal expansion and gypsum mortar settling, the intricate brickwork minaret endured as the beloved symbol of Mosul for over eight centuries. Devastated in June 2017 during the Battle of Mosul, the sacred site and its surrounding historic ruins are now undergoing major international reconstruction. Local residents and night guards report eerie encounters around the site, including phantom calls to prayer, shadowy figures pacing the rebuilt foundations, and unearthly echoes reverberating through the Old City alleys.