College of Arts

Professor Dr. Mahmoud Saleh Saeed, Head of the History Department at the College of Arts, participated in an evening tourist tour organized by the “Places of Iraq” team on Friday, July 4, 2025. This initiative, in cooperation with the Nineveh Tourism Directorate, represented by its Director of Relations and Media, Dr. Ikhlas Daoud Al-Saleem, and with the participation of tourist guide Harith Firas and Mr. Bilal Saadi, aimed to boost tourism and support the cultural and historical heritage of Mosul.

The tour began in the alleys of the Old City, where Dr. Mahmoud provided participants with a detailed explanation of prominent archaeological and religious sites. These included Al-Mosaffa Mosque, considered the first mosque in Mosul and the fifth in Islam, and the Great Al-Nouri Mosque, in addition to the city’s ancient markets and heritage bridges.

The tour saw the presence of academic figures, a selection of Mosul families, and individuals interested in archaeological tourism. It also introduced participants to what is known as “dark tourism” by showcasing the destruction left behind by the terrorist organization ISIS in the area.

The tour also had a distinct humanitarian atmosphere, with several children participating. They showed great interest by asking questions and taking notes, which added an interactive and educational dimension to the event.

Ms. Mohammed Rakan and Mr. Zidan Fouad accompanied Dr. Ikhlas Al-Saleem in documenting and photographing the event, contributing to the media coverage of the tour details.

At the conclusion of the tour, which ended at Baituna Foundation, the “Places of Iraq” team and Dr. Ikhlas Al-Saleem extended their thanks and appreciation to Professor Dr. Mahmoud Saleh Saeed, acknowledging his role and efforts in documenting and explaining Mosul’s historical legacy.