Iraqi media revealed that Al-Saraji Mosque and its ancient minaret in Basra Governorate (southern Iraq) are threatened with demolition, after an agreement between the Sunni Endowment and the local government in Basra, in order to expand the tourist route.

Al-Basra Al-Youm website said that the agreement stipulates that Al-Siraji Mosque be built in another location close to its original location.

In agreement between the Sunni Endowment Office in Basra and the Basra government, Al Saraji Mosque and its archaeological minaret will be demolished in order to expand the tourist road, provided that the Basra government build the mosque in another place close to its original location.. pic.twitter.com/gNMnxoWZnD

— Basra Today |

Basra Today (@basratoday__1) May 28, 2022

An agreement between the Sunni Endowment and the Basra government to demolish Al-Saraji Mosque and its archaeological minaret in order to expand the tourist route # Iraq pic.twitter.com/nNnYvmLEFw

— Al Mada Foundation (@madanewspaper) May 28, 2022

But the director of the Sunni Endowment’s media, Mahmoud al-Qaisi, denied - in a statement to Sanad Agency - the authenticity of the news circulated about the demolition of the Al-Saraji Mosque, indicating that it is not within the authority of the Sunni endowment in Basra to grant such approvals, and that such a decision is issued by a vote of the Supreme Endowment Council after submitting a request from the The local government in Basra to the presidency of the Sunni Endowment, pointing out that no official book has been issued regarding the demolition of the mosque.

Al-Siraji Mosque was built in 1727 AD in a distinctive architectural style, with an area of ​​1900 square meters, and is located in the Al-Saraji district in the district of Abu Al-Khasib.

The mosque contains a minaret 11 meters high, and today it is one of the archaeological beacons in Iraq.

Calls to stop demolishing

After the news of the agreement to demolish Al-Siraji Mosque was circulated, Iraqis called - through their accounts on social media platforms - to stop the demolition process and take care of this historical edifice, warning against ignoring the country's historical legacy.

They say just a minaret to remove it for a street!!

It is the fragrance of history and civilization 💛# Al Saraji Mosque# Basra https://t.co/23YiJqBS38

— 𒄷𒋛𒉡 Iraqi Loyalty (@BvhsAl) May 29, 2022

The journalist Omar Hamid said, through his account on Twitter, "All countries preserve their heritage and civilization, so what about who rules Iraq today?", adding that "Al-Siraji Mosque is one of the mosques of Basra in the Abu Al-Khasib district, built in 1140 AH (corresponding to) 1727 AD, and is distinguished by its architecture. Archaeological sites and landmarks of Basra," he asked, "Why are they only good at demolishing and destroying?"

Demolition of a historic mosque!

All countries preserve their heritage and civilization, so what about who rules #Iraq today!

Al-Saraji Mosque is one of the mosques of #Basra in the district of Abi Al-Khaseeb, built in 1140 AH (1727 AD), and it is distinguished by its archaeological architecture and one of the landmarks of Basra!

Why are they only good at demolishing and destroying?

https://t.co/OacEv1EwcF

— Dr.Omar Hamed Shukur (@omarhamedshukur) May 28, 2022

Journalist Muhammad Shafiq expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision to demolish the Al-Saraji University, through his account on Twitter, and wondered about the reason for the demolition of antiquities in Iraq, and whether it was out of ignorance or intentionality.

Al-Saraji Mosque is more than 400 years old (built in 1727 AD) with the number Zain 400 years old, and the group wants to demolish it in order to expand a road!

At the same time, the Sultanate of Oman is organizing an international celebration for the 40th anniversary of the founding of one of its cities!

I want to know where do they want to deliver?!

What if they do it out of ignorance?!

How many revolted?!

pic.twitter.com/LQUVPYQ2RK

— Muhammad Shafiq (@momshf9) May 28, 2022

The journalist and writer, Jassim Al-Shammari, commented on his Twitter account, saying, "Countries preserve their heritage, and every day we demolish a civilized landmark."

Countries preserve their heritage!

Every day we demolish a cultural landmark!

Basra citizens document the last moments before farewell to Al-Saraji Mosque and its ancient minaret to expand the tourist street, according to an agreement between the Basra government and the Sunni Endowment in Basra.

https://t.co/nHhxrysItR

- Jassem Al-Shamri (@dr_jasemj67) May 29, 2022

The minaret and Al-Siraji Mosque in Basra have been or soon will be removed.

Al-Siraji Mosque, which is one of Iraq’s ancient historical mosques in the city of Basra and is distinguished by its archaeological and heritage architecture. It was built in the year 1140 AH / 1727 AD, ——- Follows pic.twitter.com/Wg9poJFkMA

— suhad altemimi (@AltemimiSuhad) May 28, 2022

The blogger, Suzan Ali Al-Rawi, wrote on her Twitter account, "Basra Governorate is demolishing the oldest mosques in Basra, Al-Saraji Mosque, and its ancient minaret dating back to 1727 AD, in order to expand the tourist route. Unfortunately, the Sunni Endowment in Basra gave approval to the governorate authorities to carry out the demolition." unjust."

Basra Governorate is demolishing the oldest mosque in Basra, Al-Saraji Mosque and its archaeological minaret dating back to 1727 AD in order to expand the tourist route.


Unfortunately, the Sunni Endowment in Basra gave approval to the governorate authorities to carry out the unjust demolition

— Suzan Ali Al-Rawi (@AlrawySwzan) May 28, 2022