"Hundreds of worshippers gathered at the Grand Al Nouri Mosque in Mosul on Sunday to perform Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan, marking the return to one of Iraq’s most historic religious landmarks after years of devastation. Footage shows crowds entering the mosque to perform Al Ishaa and Taraweeh prayers, filling both the main prayer hall and the courtyard. “Today marks the return of the atmosphere of the holy month of Ramadan at the mosque after years of absence. This mosque's walls and corners are being revived with the people's joy, smiles, and reverence while praying,” said Imam Saif Allah Yahya. “The view is delightful and joyful seeing people coming from remote places to pray in this blessed place,” added Muhammad Salem, a Quran reciter and Islamic singer. “The United Arab Emirates has rebuilt this mosque - this great edifice, with many thanks. The people of Mosul appreciate the UAE's collaboration and this generous kind initiative,” he said. The Grand Al Nouri Mosque and its iconic Al Hadba Minaret, known as the 'hunchback' minaret due to its distinctive lean, were heavily damaged during battles between Iraqi forces and ISIS in 2016 and 2017. The mosque held particular symbolic significance, as it was from this site that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the so-called caliphate in 2014. The mosque was officially reopened last September following extensive reconstruction under UNESCO’s 'Reviving the Spirit of Mosul' initiative, funded by the United Arab Emirates. "