Field Visit to Hosh Al-Bi‘a Church Complex as Part of the Activities of the Ottoman Document Studies and Heritage Preservation Unit and the Morisco Academic Unit

As part of the activities of the Ottoman Document Studies and Heritage Preservation Unit and the Morisco Academic Unit at the College of Arts / University of Mosul, members of both units organized a scientific field visit to the Hosh Al-Bi‘a Church Complex—one of the most prominent historical landmarks in the Old City of Mosul—on Monday, May 5, 2025.

The complex comprises four of the most important historic churches:

• The Great Al-Tahira Church of the Syriac Catholics

• Al-Tahira Church of the Syriac Orthodox

• The Armenian Orthodox Church

• The Old Al-Tahira Church of the Chaldean Catholics

The visit aimed to shed light on the historical, architectural, and religious aspects that characterize this landmark, which is a vital part of Mosul’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Father Raed Adel, Head of the Syriac Catholic Churches in Mosul, provided members of both units with an in-depth explanation of the history of the churches and their role in Mosul’s social life. He emphasized the importance of religious and cultural coexistence among the various religious communities of Nineveh Province, particularly in the city of Mosul.

The participants expressed great interest and engagement with the content of the visit, which aligns with the College of Arts’ ongoing efforts to enhance historical understanding through field study and direct documentation, and to strengthen the connection between academia and religious heritage.