Skip to Content

Demolition of a historic minaret in southern Iraq’s Basra for ‘a better-designed one’ sparks outcry

KIFI

By ABDULRAHMAN ZEYAD and DAWOOD SALMAN
Associated Press

BASRA, Iraq (AP) — For three centuries, the al-Siraji Mosque, with its minaret inlaid with blue ceramic tiles, was a distinctive feature of the city of Basra in southern Iraq. But in recent days, bulldozers razed the historic minaret to the ground on orders from the local governor because it jutted out into the street, impeding traffic. The demolition has ignited a wave of outrage among advocates for the preservation of Iraq’s cultural heritage, who have been trying in recent years to rebuild from the notorious destruction of antiquity sites and historic Islamic shrines by the Islamic State group.

Article Topic Follows: AP National

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content