Music Returns to Mosul After Years of ISIS Suppression

The Iraqi city of Mosul is witnessing a cultural revival, as music and art are flourishing once again after years of brutal suppression by ISIS. During its control of the city after 2014, the extremist group sought to erase artistic heritage and destroy historical sites, silencing a once-vibrant cultural scene.

One of those affected was Amer Fandar, an Iraqi musician who, like thousands of artists, was forced to flee, abandoning his passion and livelihood.

Fandar had no other option but to close his music shop, sell all his instruments, and leave Mosul, first escaping to Erbil, then Turkey, before finally going back to his home city and his music.

Now, the growing enthusiasm among young men and women to learn music again has revived Mosul’s artistic scene, allowing artists to rediscover their creativity and enrich the city’s cultural legacy.