Rebuilding heritage is saving lives: Minister
dubai — Restoring mosques and churches in war-torn areas is not just about preserving heritage, it also promotes tolerance and respect among various faiths, according to a UAE minister.
Speaking to Khaleej Times at the World Government Summit in Dubai on Tuesday, Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, said that the UAE is helping reconstruct the Great Mosque of Al Nuri and its famous minaret called Al Hadba in Mosul, Iraq, not just to rebuild a famous and historic religious landmark but also to show to the world a fine example of tolerance.
The mosque was destroyed during battles that pushed Daesh out of the city. The UAE recently signed an agreement with Iraq and Unesco — in cooperation with the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, to restore the mosque.
Al Kaabi noted that the project, which will be accomplished using technology, including 3D printing and artificial intelligence (AI) at a cost of around $50.4 million (Dh184 million), will counter fanaticism promoted by extremist militants.
“In Mosul, there are the mosques, churches, temples and synagogues. Rebuilding mosques and churches (that were torn down by conflicts) is more than just reconstructing religious landmarks because we are showing respect for various faiths,” Al Kaabi emphasised.
“We live in a region that is complex — where we see left and right places being destroyed (in the name of fanaticism). But the UAE is showing that we can do better. And it is our job to show empathy and call for everyone to work together,” she added.
Al Kaabi underlined: “Cultural sites are for everyone. These sites are shared histories and we have a shared responsibility to reconstruct and rebuild them. The UAE promotes cultural diversity and we thrive when we understand and accept each other’s culture.”
She added that the heritage revival project also represents hope for the people who just survived war.
“Moreover, rebuilding heritage is not different from saving lives,” she noted.
Al Kaabi also shared her personal experience at the historic mass officiated by Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi saying that “the historic Pope’s mass in the UAE was a testament to our commitment towards cultural diversity.”