Al-Hadba (Arabic: الحدباء, al-Ḥadbāʾ), meaning "the Humpback" or "the Humped," is the colloquial name for the leaning minaret of the Great Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul, Iraq. It was one of the most iconic historical landmarks of the city and a significant example of Islamic architecture from the Zengid dynasty.
Etymology and Name
The name al-Hadba derives from the Arabic word ḥadab (حدب), which refers to a hump or a curvature. The minaret earned this moniker due to its pronounced lean, which became more prominent over centuries, giving it the appearance of a hunched or bent structure.
The Minaret of al-Nuri
The Great Mosque of al-Nuri, also known as the Grand Mosque of Mosul, was built by Nur al-Din Zengi in 1172-1173 CE (568 AH), shortly after he took control of Mosul. The minaret itself was constructed as part of this complex.
- Construction and Architecture: The minaret was a cylindrical tower built of brick, adorned with intricate geometric patterns and calligraphic inscriptions. It featured a series of muqarnas (stalactite vaulting) and a distinct top section. Its estimated height was around 45 meters (148 feet). The construction materials and techniques used were typical of Mesopotamian Islamic architecture of the period.
- The Lean: The lean of al-Hadba minaret was a long-standing feature, often compared to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The exact cause of the lean has been debated, with theories including the expansion of the underlying soil, seismic activity, or issues during its original construction. Over time, the lean gradually increased, making it a unique and recognizable feature.
- Cultural Significance: For centuries, al-Hadba was a prominent symbol of Mosul. It was featured on Iraqi banknotes and postcards and was deeply ingrained in the city's identity and heritage. Its distinctive silhouette was synonymous with Mosul itself.
- Destruction: On June 21, 2017, during the Battle of Mosul against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the minaret and the adjacent mosque were deliberately destroyed by ISIS forces, reportedly to prevent coalition forces from using the site as a vantage point or symbolic gain. The destruction was widely condemned internationally as a catastrophic loss of cultural heritage and a war crime.
Reconstruction Efforts
Following its destruction, there have been international efforts and funding initiatives, notably through UNESCO, to reconstruct the Great Mosque of al-Nuri and its iconic al-Hadba minaret. These projects aim to restore this significant cultural landmark as a symbol of resilience and recovery for the city of Mosul and its people.