For the first time in its history, UNESCO not only co-ordinated but directly led the reconstruction of heritage sites destroyed by war through its “Reviving the Spirit of Mosul” initiative.

By the time of its liberation in 2017, around 80 per cent of the Old City of Mosul had been destroyed – and what was left was riddled with unexploded bombs.

After seven years of work at a cost of more than $115 million, UNESCO says its work is nearly done.

It has cleared and demined the site, conducted a vast consultation with the local community and trained more than 2,800 Iraqis in restoration and heritage skills.

The Al-Hadba minaret has regained its place in the city skyline, while the bells of the Syriac Al Tahera Catholic Church and the Dominican Our Lady of the Hour Convent are ringing again.

In a few weeks time, the rest of the restored Al-Nouri Great Mosque will be unveiled.

“What has been achieved in Mosul is an example of what can be done in the future by UNESCO and other actors in the region and around the world,” UNESCO director-general Audrey Azoulay said.