Located in Mosul within the Nineveh Governorate of Iraq, the Mosque of the Prophet Yunus (Al-Nabi Yunus Mosque) is a deeply significant historical Sunni congregational mosque and shrine built over a site rich in layered history. Historically, the location housed a monastery containing the miraculously preserved remains of the Christian patriarch Hnanisho I. In 1365, Jalal al-Din Ibrahim al-Khatni reconstructed the site into a congregational mosque, announcing it as the discovery of the grave of the prophet Jonah, known as Yunus in Islam.
When you explore its history, you learn that for centuries visitors were shown a shrouded heavy planewood coffin within a wooden zarih at the corner of the mosque, along with a modern 1960s shrine to the Naqshbandi shaykh Rashid Lolan nearby. Although the building was tragically destroyed with explosives in 2014, post-liberation efforts revealed fascinating new wonders beneath the ruins. Archaeologists discovered a 1-kilometer tunnel system exposing an ancient Neo-Assyrian palace built by Sennacherib, complete with cuneiform inscriptions from the reign of Esarhaddon and a massive six-meter lamassu—the largest ever uncovered—at the ancient throne room.
It stands as a compelling destination for those drawn to ancient history and archaeology.
What to see at Mosque of the Prophet Yunus
- Historic site containing the reported tomb of the prophet Jonah (Yunus)
- Uncovered 1-kilometer tunnel system beneath the damaged mosque structure
- Cuneiform inscriptions dating back to the reign of Neo-Assyrian ruler Esarhaddon
- A record-breaking 6-meter lamassu discovered in the ancient throne room
Visiting tips
Keep in mind that the historic mosque was partially destroyed in 2014, so your visit will focus largely on the site's ongoing archaeological revelations.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Mosque of the Prophet Yunus is easy to reach on Mosul’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Nineveh and Great Mosque of al-Nuri. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Mosul travel guide.
See the full Mosul travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.