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Al-Saa'a Convent

 Nineveh is one of the oldest cities in Middle East with a history that is even older than ancient Greek and Roman Empires. It was also the birthplace of early civilization within upper Mesopotamia. Settlements of civilization occurred around 6000 BC. It became a center of worship.

 In 1870, the first pontifical mission was sent to Mesopotamia. The Convent of Our Lady of the Hour, also known as the Latin Church, was founded in Mosul. From its origin, this convent had three dimensions: religious, cultural and social. It includes a church, a seminary with accommodation for a community of brothers and a community of sisters, a school for boys, a school for girls, as well as a hospital and a house for mission employees. A school for female teachers was then added.

  The Dominicans having no books to teach, rather than importing European books, they decided to create in Mosul the first printing press in Mesopotamia. They published the first Bible in Arabic, the first Kurdish grammar and many other books of local interest.

  Empress Eugenie of France de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III, financed in 1876 the bell tower (the very first Iraqi bell tower), which was installed in 1880. The famous clock gave its name to the district and its chimes paced peoples’ lives throughout the whole city.

  In September 2020, in close collaboration with the Dominican Order and Iraqi relevant authorities, UNESCO launched the preparatory phase for the reconstruction. The priority was to secure the site and clear it from unexploded ordnance. It was followed by the preparation of the design for the execution of the works.

The final design of the project site satisfied local expectations and generate a sense of local ownership.