The Role of Heritage Education in Post-conflict Livelihoods: Lessons from Mosul, Iraq

This chapter explores the transformative role of heritage education in post-conflict livelihoods, focusing on Mosul, Iraq. It discusses the evolving United Nations definitions of “livelihoods” and the increasing recognition of culture and creative industries in post-conflict livelihoods. It highlights the role of intergovernmental organisations in implementing heritage-driven economic revival strategies, focusing on ICCROM Heritage Recovery Programme in Mosul implemented in the framework of the UNESCO “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative. These strategies aim to generate livelihoods through tourism, cultural industries, and traditional craftsmanship, contributing to long-term stability and resilience in post-conflict regions. This chapter underscores the importance of heritage capacity building in increasing livelihoods after conflicts, as demonstrated by the preliminary success of the Mosul initiative, and concludes by emphasising the need for an integrated approach to heritage conservation and sustainable economic growth in post-conflict contexts.