Omar Mohammed

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Omar Mohammed (Arabic: عمر بن محمد; born 8 April 1986) is an Iraqi historian, citizen journalist, and musician. He is best-known for creating Mosul Eye, an online news blog through which he documented life in the city of Mosul when it was occupied by the Islamic State between 2014 and 2017.^[2] He lives in exile, having left Iraq in 2017, and currently maintains the blog from France.^[3] In 2020, Mohammed was recognized by the Algemeiner Journal as one of "The Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life".^[4] This acknowledgment reflects his significant contributions to documenting and understanding historical events and his broader impact on global human rights and interfaith relations. He currently leads the Antisemitism Research Initiative at George Washington University.^[5]

Mohammed was born in Mosul in 1986, during the Iran–Iraq War, and was raised in the city.^[6] He graduated from the University of Mosul in 2012, after defending his dissertation on the French occupation of Egypt. He returned to the university as a professor and taught there until 2014, when it was shut down by the Islamic State.^[7]

'All I could see was blood' is how Mohammed often described the time he lived in Mosul under the rule of the ISIS.^[6] He became widely known for documenting the daily life in Mosul between 2003 and 2018. He still runs his blog from his exile. He traveled around the world to seek support for his city Mosul.^[8] A few months before the liberation of Mosul from ISIS, Omar organized a musical on the historical site of prophet Jonah on the east bank of Mosul to defy ISIS with music.

"Let it there be a Book, Rising from the Ashes" is a project launched by Mohammed to preserve the books from the destroyed library of the university of Mosul. The campaign led to preserve more than 32 thousands books and manuscripts.^[9] Speaking exclusively to The Independent, the historian said he hopes to collect at least 200,000 books, largely from international donations, to rebuild the university's central library and others across the city.^[9] In a phone interview with BuzzFeed News, he revealed very little about himself — "I can tell you I'm not 40 yet" — and insisted on anonymity to protect himself and his loved ones. But he spoke at length about his hopes for the library and why he is so invested in reviving it.

"Whenever I was in the university, I would spend most of my time at the library," he said. "When I didn't like my professors' lectures, I often went to the library to do research and study books on my own."^[10]

Access to the internet is still more limited in Mosul compared to the rest of Iraq. While IS did not restrict access to the internet as such, they imposed high taxes on internet providers leaving the city with limited access to this day (See UN Habit Report, 2016). Despite this, a number of growing local online media initiatives are proving to be popular. Ein Al Mosul, or Mosul Eye, was a blog, written anonymously, that documented events in Mosul under the occupation of IS, providing citizens of Mosul and, perhaps even more so, diaspora and the international community with vital information and evidence of IS atrocities.^[11] It focuses now on the ‘recovery’ of Mosul, structurally as well as culturally. ‘Mosul Eye was able to not only be a source of information but a social factor in the city’, according to its founder Omar Mohamed (2018 cited in Guardian Podcast, 2018). After the battle, Mosul Eye played a different role, ‘which is to rebuild civil society, trying to support the people who stayed in the city, trying to give them a voice, because they were voiceless’.^[12]

The Battle of Mosul (2016–2017) marked a critical juncture in modern warfare, where digital technology and social media platforms played an unprecedented role in both documenting the conflict and facilitating humanitarian interventions. Mohammed, an anonymous historian and blogger operating under the pseudonym "Mosul Eye," emerged as a central figure in these efforts. His unique position as a native of Mosul with an in-depth understanding of the city’s geography, coupled with his access to social media, enabled him to coordinate and assist in numerous rescue operations, saving the lives of civilians trapped in the conflict.^[13]

Remaining undercover throughout the battle, Mohammed utilized platforms such as Twitter (now X) and Facebook to establish direct lines of communication with civilians besieged within Mosul. His ability to receive real-time information from residents and their relatives, combined with his extensive knowledge of the city, allowed him to provide precise coordinates and detailed descriptions of locations to the Iraqi security forces and the international coalition. This information was critical in directing rescue missions to areas where civilians were at immediate risk.

One of the most notable rescue operations orchestrated by Mohammed occurred in January 2017, when he facilitated the evacuation of a family of six from east Mosul after their home was struck by a missile. The attack resulted in the death of the husband and a nine-year-old son, while the surviving members—comprising the mother and her three remaining children—were left trapped in an increasingly dangerous situation. Through social media, the family's uncle, residing overseas, contacted Mohammed. Utilizing the information provided, Mohammed swiftly communicated the family's coordinates to the relevant Iraqi security forces. The family was subsequently rescued and transported to Erbil for urgent medical treatment, exemplifying the critical impact of digital platforms in life-saving operations.^[13]

In another instance, Mohammed played a crucial role in the rescue of an archaeologist and his family, who were trapped in their home as the battle raged around them. The archaeologist, a well-known figure in Mosul, was unable to escape with his family due to the intense fighting. Through his network and the precise information provided by relatives, Mohammed coordinated their rescue, ensuring their safe passage out of the city. This operation further underscored the importance of local knowledge and the ability to quickly disseminate information via social media.^[14]

Another significant operation took place on March 9, 2017, when Mohammed coordinated the rescue of over 90 civilians trapped in the al-Mahatta area of western Mosul. By providing precise location data to the Iraqi Golden Brigade and Federal Police, he facilitated a successful operation that underscored the evolving role of social media as a tool for real-time coordination in conflict zones. Mohammed's tweet, declaring "Mission Accomplished!" upon the successful rescue, became a symbol of the power of digital activism in modern warfare.^[15]

Mohammed’s efforts also extended to assisting a pregnant woman who was trapped in the midst of the conflict. After receiving a plea for help, Mohammed provided the exact coordinates of her location to the Iraqi forces. She was rescued in time and safely transported out of Mosul. Shortly after her rescue, the woman gave birth to a son, whom she named Farooq, a name synonymous with "Omar" in Arabic. This powerful act of gratitude highlighted the personal impact of Mohammed's work and the lives he helped save through these coordinated efforts.^[16]

Throughout the course of the Battle of Mosul, Mohammed's efforts were directly responsible for the rescue of over 154 families. His operations not only demonstrated the potential of social media to mobilize humanitarian efforts but also highlighted the interconnectedness of global communities in times of crisis. The ability to communicate instantly across vast distances allowed for a level of coordination and response that would have been unimaginable in previous conflicts.^[15]

In a subsequent interview with the global coalition, Mohammed reflected on the profound significance of his work during the battle. He emphasized the human dimension of these rescue operations, noting that the use of social media to save lives transcended the traditional boundaries of warfare, transforming it into a deeply personal and humane endeavor. The ability to hear directly from those who had been rescued, and to know that his efforts had spared lives, provided a powerful validation of the role that digital platforms can play in humanitarian intervention.^[17]

During the operation to liberate Mosul, Mohammed played a role in rescuing the last two remaining animals from the Mosul Zoo—a lion and a bear. He contacted international organizations and arranged for the evacuation of these animals, who were later named Simba (the lion) and Lula (the bear).^[18]

In an interview with CNN on February 2, 2017, Mohammed explained his reasoning: "When you learn to care for animals and show kindness to them, you come to understand the value of human life. In this world, everything is interconnected. No part of it is without worth.^[19]"

Both animals have since been safely relocated and are now living in a natural environment.^[18]

After he fled Mosul in 2015, Mohammed launched a campaign to advocate and bring awareness to the situation in Mosul and Iraq as a whole. He has travelled to various countries, including the United States and Russia, to make speeches and participate in talks, while lecturing and advocating at universities, institutes, and other global venues.^[20] His mission is to "put Mosul on the global map" as stated in his public speeches. He has been hosted by many international universities and governments.^[21] Mohammed has also, on different occasions, advocated for Mosul to be put under international trusteeship to protect the local populace.^[22][23][24]

As of 2020^[update], Mohammed lives in Paris and is unable to return to Mosul.^[25] His brother was killed by an airstrike during the Battle of Mosul, when the Iraqi government retook the city from the Islamic State.^[26] He is a fan of Israeli-American violinist Itzhak Perlman.^[27] He appeared in the 2020 British documentary film Once Upon a Time in Iraq, in which he describes his experiences during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the Iraq War and the Iraqi insurgency, and the Second Iraq War, particularly detailing aspects of the occupation of Mosul by the Islamic State between 2014 and 2017.In the documentary series Rise of the Nazis, Mohammed was featured for his role in telling the story of Robert Limpert (15 July 1925 – 18 April 1945), a German resistance fighter during World War II. Limpert was executed in the final days of the war for cutting telephone lines at an abandoned Wehrmacht command post in Ansbach, Germany. His act of defiance against the Nazi regime, although ultimately leading to his execution, is remembered as a significant example of resistance within Germany during the war. In October 2021, Mohammed received a special invitation from Pope Francis for a private audience at the Domus Sanctae Marthae. Mohammed recounted that he initially missed a call from the Pope, after which he received a written letter explaining that the Pope had been unable to reach him through his original phone number. Mohammed then provided an alternative number, which facilitated their subsequent communication. During their meeting, they discussed the situation in Mosul, and Pope Francis remarked that he could see the suffering of Mosul reflected on Mohammed's face.^[28] Mohammed's own story is the focus of the short film Voices of Dissents: Omar Mohammed, which details his efforts to chronicle the atrocities committed by ISIS in Mosul. Through this work, Mohammed has become a prominent voice in the documentation of modern conflicts and the resistance against extremist ideologies. In 2018, Mohammed was selected for the prestigious Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program at Yale University. This program is designed to recognize and support emerging global leaders, allowing them to engage with Yale's academic community and collaborate on global issues. His selection highlights his impactful work in documenting Mosul's history and advocating for cultural preservation.^[29] On July 12, 2017, during a visit to Iraq, Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel laureate, sought to meet with Mohammed, the anonymous activist behind "Mosul Eye." Due to the dangers associated with revealing his identity amidst the ongoing conflict in Mosul, Mohammed could not meet her in person. Instead, they communicated over the phone, where Yousafzai, accompanied by her father, expressed her admiration for his work in documenting the atrocities committed by ISIS.^[30]

In recognition of his courage and efforts, Yousafzai autographed a dedicated copy of her book for him. In response, Mohammed sent her a heartfelt letter, expressing his hopes for the future of Mosul following its liberation from ISIS. In the letter, he reflected on the hardships endured during the occupation, his commitment to documenting the truth, and his vision for the rebuilding of his city. This exchange marked a moment of solidarity between two individuals who had both faced profound threats in their pursuit of justice and education.^[30]

Mohammed has been instrumental in preserving the Jewish history of Mosul, a vital yet often neglected part of the city's diverse cultural heritage. In 2018, he launched the project Reviving the Jewish Memory of Mosul ^[31]through Mosul Eye, aiming to document the oral histories of the Jewish community that once flourished in the city. This initiative seeks to capture the personal stories, traditions, and memories of former Jewish residents, many of whom were forced to leave Mosul in the mid-20th century due to rising tensions and political changes in Iraq.

Through this project,Mohammed has meticulously gathered testimonies and narratives from members of the Jewish diaspora originally from Mosul, ensuring that their experiences and contributions to the city's history are not forgotten. Additionally, his work includes efforts to identify and preserve physical remnants of Mosul's Jewish heritage, such as synagogues and cemeteries, which stand as silent witnesses to the community's once vibrant presence.^[32]

Mohammed's dedication to documenting the Jewish history of Mosul is part of his broader mission to promote a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the city's past. By bringing to light the stories of Mosul's Jewish community, he aims to foster a sense of shared heritage and collective memory, ensuring that this important chapter in Mosul's history is remembered and respected for generations to come.^[33]

In 2021, Mohammed launched the Green Mosul initiative, an effort by the Mosul Eye Association to restore green spaces in Mosul and address climate change awareness in the city. The initiative focused on planting trees across Mosul, which had experienced significant environmental degradation due to the conflict.^[34]

Green Mosul aimed to foster social cohesion by encouraging participation from the city's diverse communities. The project brought people together around a shared goal that transcended religious and ethnic differences. As Mohammed noted, "A tree doesn’t have a religion or ethnicity," highlighting the initiative's focus on providing benefits such as clean air and improved public spaces.^[35]

Between March 2022 and March 2023, the initiative resulted in the planting of 9,000 trees across Mosul and the wider Nineveh province. This effort involved collaboration with local universities and government bodies, who have since committed to continuing the tree-planting efforts annually.^[36] In addition to its environmental goals, the Green Mosul initiative also introduced the topic of climate change into the local discourse. Recognizing the long-term challenges posed by climate change, the initiative helped bring this issue to the forefront in Mosul, leading to increased research and awareness efforts within the community.^[35]

The Green Mosul initiative contributed to the city's recovery by integrating environmental concerns with social and cultural restoration, helping to rebuild Mosul in a more sustainable and inclusive manner.

On April 20, 2017, Mosul witnessed a remarkable event that symbolized the city's resilience and hope for a peaceful future. This event, orchestrated by Mohammed, was the culmination of a dream to bring music back to Mosul, a city that had been silenced by years of conflict under the control of ISIL.^[37]

The journey began months earlier when Mohammed, the voice behind the Mosul Eye, wrote about his passion for music and his desire to see Itzhak Perlman perform in Mosul. However, it was a follower's suggestion that led him to Ameen Mokdad, a musician from Mosul, whose dream was to play music in his hometown once it was liberated.^[37]

Mohammed reached out to Ameen, asking him if he would be willing to return to Mosul to perform. Despite the challenges and the emotional toll of having lived under ISIL’s control, Ameen agreed. Mohammed immediately set to work, arranging for Ameen's travel from Baghdad to Erbil and securing the necessary permissions for his entry into Mosul, a process complicated by the city's ongoing security concerns.^[37]

The chosen venue for this significant event was the ancient palace of Esarhaddon, near the shrine of Jonah, a site sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. The location was symbolic: it represented Mosul's rich heritage, the shared history of its diverse communities, and the resilience of a city that was beginning to rise from the ashes of destruction. Playing music at a site that had been desecrated by ISIL was an act of defiance, a way to breathe life back into a place that had been stripped of its cultural identity.

The performance itself was a powerful statement. As Ameen played “I am Free,” the notes echoed through the ruins, a testament to the enduring spirit of Mosul and its people. The event attracted a crowd, marking a moment of unity and hope in a city still grappling with the aftermath of war.

This initiative was not just about music; it was about reclaiming Mosul’s cultural heritage and restoring a sense of normalcy and pride among its residents. Mohammed’s efforts to bring music back to Mosul exemplify his broader mission to revive the city’s cultural and social fabric, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, the arts can serve as a powerful force for healing and reconciliation. Building on these efforts, Mohammed continued to use music as a means of fostering international solidarity with Mosul. On July 5, 2018, a significant cultural event took place in Linz, Austria, to commemorate the first anniversary of Mosul's liberation from ISIL. This live musical concert aimed to promote empathy with Mosul and strengthen the message of peace and reconciliation between the East and the West.^[38]

The concert featured the internationally renowned musician Martin Grubinger and his ensemble. It was a collaborative effort initiated by Mohammed and Austrian politician Josef Weidenholzer, supported by Austria's national public broadcasting organization. The event was notable for its inclusion of live broadcasts from Mosul, with scenes displayed on large screens, connecting the audience in Austria with the realities of life in Mosul. These broadcasts included footage from the city and from the "Al-Qantara" cultural café, which had reopened shortly after Mosul's liberation.^[39]

The event was inaugurated by a recorded address from Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, underscoring the importance of the occasion. This concert was more than just a performance; it was a symbolic gesture of solidarity, reminding the world of Mosul's resilience and the ongoing efforts towards peace and healing. Through this initiative, Mohammed continued to bridge cultural divides and keep the memory of Mosul's struggle and recovery alive on the international stage.^[40]

1- The history of the French expedition on Egypt in the writings of Abd al-Rahman al-Jabarti, Jordan 2013.^[41]

Mohammed has produced several documents but they are still unpublished manuscripts:

1- Annals of Mosul from 2003 to 2014. Unpublished manuscript.^[7] 2- The Chronicles of Mosul under the rule of the Islamic State.Unpublished manuscript.^[2]

The manuscript covers the history of Mosul from June 6, 2014 when ISIS occupied Mosul to July 2017 when the city was liberated.

3- the Wonders of Mosul's recovery and its surrounding areas.

Is a historical document written by MOhammed documenting the daily recovery of Mosul since its libration in 2017.

4- Al Tarikh al 'Umari fi 'Imār al jāmi al Nuri wa yalih-i 'Imar Kanisat-ul Sa'a wa-T Tahira'^[42] 5- Al 'Anfas al Mahbusa fi 'aldifaa' 'an al Mawsil al mahrusa "The Caged Breaths in Defending the Protected Mosul". Unpublished manuscript.

The front cover of the manuscript reads: "This is a declaration of what the humble to his god's mercy, Omar b. Mohammed al Mawsili in his exile (.... text removed) on his daily observation in (text removed) and other countries in defending of his hometown Mosul and its people to create a better future for his watan and protect its nation, may god protect it against all its enemies until god makes his return to Mosul possible"