Historic Mosul neighbourhood scarred by conflict turns blue

The walls of the houses and streets have recently been painted bright blue and decorated with flower pots, birdhouses and murals. It is a symbol of rebirth and vitality after the city was badly damaged during the conflict with the Islamic State Group.

Mosul: A group of young volunteers have repainted and decorated a Mosul neighbourhood, bright blue, inspired by a traditional architectural style.

The walls of the houses and streets have recently been painted bright blue and decorated with flower pots, birdhouses and murals.

It is a symbol of rebirth and vitality after the city was badly damaged during the conflict with the Islamic State Group.

The market in the historic Old City was hit and damaged during the intense fighting that took place in Mosul in 2017.

Mosul was overrun by the Islamic State in the summer of 2014.

A nine-month battle eventually liberated the city from the Islamic State group.

After the fighting, the old city showed the densest destruction, but nearly every neighbourhood of western Mosul had blocks of blasted houses.

Now the district of al Meshahda, in Mosul's Old City, has a new coat of blue paint, inspired by neighbourhoods in other countries like Chefchaouen in Morocco, it is said the locals, an old Arab style as well.

Mohammed Abdulhaq, director of project JoyAlley, explains, "After the operations of Mosul liberation, the name of Mosul city and specifically the Old City of Mosul was associated with destruction and ruins".

"So, our initiative was to bring back life to the old areas and old alleys of Mosul city and to present our heritage and legacy in the best and finest image."

The project cost USD 1,300 USD including paint, decorations and lighting, as well as a group dinner for neighborhood residents, it was funded by the United Nations, according to the project director.

The volunteer group chose al Meshahda neighborhood in Mosul's Old City because it contains one of its oldest homes, according to Abdulhaq.

The plan is to repaint and decorate most alleys in the Old City in this style once they receive funding, says Abdulhaq.

"It is a beautiful thing and it brought back happiness, joy, and smile to the faces of the children and the residents of this nice neighbourhood," says resident Miyesser al Shekhawi.

(AP)