The Mosque of Nur al-Din, also known as al-Jami’ al-Nuri al-Kabir, stands as a revered landmark in Mosul, Iraq, nestled in the heart of the old city. Constructed during the illustrious reign of Nur al-Din Mahmud ibn Zangi between 1146 and 1174, this architectural marvel was crafted from a fusion of bricks and stones, boasting a prayer hall and a madrasa within its walls.
Among its many distinguished features, the mosque is renowned for its iconic leaning brick minaret, affectionately dubbed “al-Hadba,” towering proudly on the north side of the complex. Soaring to a height of approximately 45 meters, the minaret boasts a subtle incline of about 4 degrees. Legend has it that this unique tilt is attributed to its construction upon soft soil, yet despite this, the minaret has stood resolute for over eight centuries, weathering numerous earthquakes and conflicts.
Originally, the mosque boasted three main mihrabs, each with its own story of transformation over time. The central mihrab, situated beneath the dome within the prayer hall, was a modest creation adorned with a distinctive muqarnas hood. Inscribed with the year 1281 AH (1864-1865 CE), this mihrab had witnessed the passage of time and covered several earlier iterations. Meanwhile, the two older and more intricate mihrabs had tales of their own, with one believed to have been relocated from the Umayyad Mosque in Mosul, adding layers of history and significance to this venerable site.