A wave of disapproval has erupted in Basra, Iraq, following the demolition of a historic minaret that graced the al-Siraji Mosque for three centuries. Governor Asaad al-Eidani justified the removal, citing the need to widen a road constructed after the mosque. However, this explanation has been met with strong opposition from locals and heritage experts who argue the minaret predates the road and was a significant landmark.

Jaafar Jotheri, an assistant professor of geoarchaeology at Al-Qadisiyah University, expressed his dismay at the destruction of this historical treasure. Residents like Ali Nazim, while acknowledging the need for road expansion, criticized the method employed, contrasting it with preservation efforts in other countries. Photographer Ali Hilal echoed this sentiment, questioning the rationale behind sacrificing a 300-year-old site for road widening.

The governor maintains that permission was obtained from Iraq’s Sunni Endowment Office before the demolition. However, the head of the Endowment, Mishaan al-Khazraji, stated their request was for relocation, not destruction. The decision was apparently fueled by complaints about the minaret obstructing traffic flow. Despite the backlash, the governor confirmed plans to replace the mosque with a more modern structure, while the original mosque building itself remains untouched.

The 33-foot minaret, a prominent feature in the oil-rich city, was reduced to rubble on Friday, July 14th. The governor was present during the demolition, along with heritage preservation advocates. Following the public outcry, he suggested the possibility of reconstruction by a specialized Turkish company. However, Jotheri expressed skepticism about the feasibility of restoring the historical significance and collective memory associated with the original structure.

This incident comes amidst ongoing challenges to Iraq's rich cultural heritage, which has suffered from looting and damage over decades, particularly due to the destructive actions of extremist groups like ISIS.