Mosul
Major northern Iraqi city on the Tigris, near ancient Nineveh.
Mosul is a major city in northern Iraq, the capital of Nineveh Governorate and the second largest city in Iraq after Baghdad. Situated on the banks of the Tigris River, it has traditionally served as a hub of international commerce and travel due to its strategic location. The ruins of the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh, once the largest city in the world, lie on the eastern side of the city. Mosul is considered one of the historically and culturally significant cities of the Arab world and is a historical center of the Assyrians.
- Country
- Iraq
- Governorate
- Nineveh
- Population Rank
- Second largest in Iraq
- River
- Tigris
- Nicknames
- al-Faiha (the Paradise), al-Khaḍrah (the Green), al-Hadbah (the Humped), the Pearl of the North, the city of a million soldiers
- Major Languages
- North Mesopotamian Arabic (Maslawi)
- Major Religions
- Sunni Islam, Christianity, Yazidism, Twelver Shi'ism, Shabakism
Lore & Background
Mosul's area was part of Assyria from as early as the 25th century BC.
Reader's Guide
Mosul's significance stems from its long history as a strategic commercial and cultural crossroads on the Tigris, linking Assyria and Anatolia. It is the site of the ruins of Nineveh, the ancient Assyrian capital that was once the world's largest city and home to the Library of Ashurbanipal. The city's metropolitan area has grown from the old western side to encompass both banks of the Tigris. The region is ethnically and religiously diverse, with Arabs forming a large majority alongside Kurds, Assyrians, Turkmens, Shabaks, and others. Sunni Islam is the largest religion, with sizeable Christian and Yazidi populations. Mosul is home to the University of Mosul and its renowned Medical College, one of the Middle East's largest educational and research centers. Historically, essential products included marble and oil, and the surrounding region is rich in oil reserves. The city contains historic mosques, Christian sites, synagogues, and Yazidi temples. Its legacy includes its role as a center of Assyrian culture and its nickname 'the Pearl of the North.'
Did You Know?
- The name Mosul (Mawsil) means 'linking point' or 'Junction City' in Arabic.
- Assyrians still call the entire city Nineveh (or Ninweh).
- The mound of Kuyunjik in Mosul is the site of the palaces of King Sennacherib and his successors.
- Mosul is nicknamed 'the city of a million soldiers.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mosul?
Mosul is a major city in northern Iraq that serves as the capital of Nineveh Governorate. It sits along the Tigris River and is the country's second-largest city after Baghdad.
Where exactly is Mosul located?
The city is situated on the banks of the Tigris River in northern Iraq, with the ruins of the ancient Assyrian capital of Nineveh on its eastern side. Its riverside position has long made it a crossroads for trade and travel.
What nicknames is Mosul known by?
It has been called al-Faiha (the Paradise), al-Khaḍrah (the Green), al-Hadbah (the Humped), and the Pearl of the North. It has also earned the title "the city of a million soldiers" for its long military heritage.
What language do people in Mosul speak?
The primary local tongue is North Mesopotamian Arabic, specifically the Maslawi dialect. The city also has deep roots as a historical center for the Assyrian community.
Why is Mosul historically important?
Mosul has long stood as one of the most culturally and commercially significant cities in the Arab world. The nearby ruins of Nineveh, once the largest city in the ancient world, further underscore its deep historical legacy.
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