The monastery, which was built in the 6th century and served Mosul's Christian citizens for 1400 years, has now entered the long list of ancient sites in the Arab world that were destroyed by ISIS.
By MAAYAN GROISMANSt. Elijah monastery in Mosul, Iraq (photo credit: ARAB MEDIA)
Arab media reported on Wednesday that satellite images have revealed the destruction of one of Iraq's oldest monasteries, Saint Elijah's monastery in Mosul, by ISIS fighters.The monastery, which was built in the 6th century and served Mosul's Christian citizens for 1400 years, has now entered the long list of ancient sites in the Arab world that were destroyed by ISIS.Striving to install an Islamic regime based on Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) in all the territories it controls, ISIS views the destruction of Christian temples, as well as temples and graves of Muslim sects that it defines as 'deviant', as vital.Besides its destruction of Christian cultural heritage, ISIS forcefully expels Iraqi Christians from their homes and businesses. On January 16, the organization sold more than 400 apartments and 167 stores belonging to Christians in Mosul in a public auction conducted in order to raise funds for ISIS’ dwindling treasury.