The Lions by the River Tigris: Restoring Mosul’s artefacts | Documentary
MOSUL, Iraq — As the ancient city of Mosul begins to recover from nearly a decade of destruction caused by ISIL, three men are working to restore its cultural heritage. At the center of this effort are two carved lions, which remain a tenuous connection to a once-thriving past.
Bashar, a fisherman, lost his family home during the intense battles that led to Mosul’s liberation from ISIL. The only remnants of his property are a marble gate embellished with lion sculptures, which he meticulously protects.
Fakhri, a passionate collector, is determined to acquire the lion gate for his personal museum, motivated by a desire to preserve the city’s rich history. His friend Fadil, a musician whose voice was stifled under ISIL’s regime, encourages Fakhri to consider the profound human stories behind each artifact.
As Mosul embarks on a path of reconstruction, a quiet revival of cultural life has emerged, highlighting the resilience of a city with a history spanning 8,000 years. This story is explored in “The Lions by the River Tigris,” a documentary by filmmaker Zaradasht Ahmed.
Published on November 7, 2026.
