In the war-scarred streets of Mosul’s Old Town, where bullet-pocked buildings stand as silent witnesses to conflict, an unexpected sound fills the air: the soaring notes of violins and cellos. Local musician Mohammed Mahmood, once silenced by decades of turmoil following the 2003 Iraq invasion, is now conducting a grassroots orchestra amid the rubble – proving art thrives where hope persists.
\"Music became my resistance,\" says Mahmood, who began recruiting players in 2020 after discovering intact instruments in abandoned homes. What started with three members now draws 25 musicians weekly, including students traveling up to 200km for rehearsals. Their repertoire blends Iraqi folk melodies with classical works, creating a sonic bridge between heritage and healing.
The initiative has become a cultural lifeline for youth in a city where 80% of historical landmarks were damaged. UNESCO reports show 62% of Mosul residents under 25 prioritize cultural restoration – a statistic Mahmood’s orchestra embodies through impromptu rooftop concerts attended by hundreds.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
