The architectural history of the Prophet Jonah Mosque dates back to the beginning of the Assyrian era [IQ1]. It was located in eastern Mosul, on the site of the ancient city of Nineveh, which became the capital of the Assyrian Empire in the 7th century BC [IQ2, IQ3]. The mosque itself was built in 1170 and contained the tomb of Jonah, a revered prophet by Muslims [IQ2]. He is mentioned in both the Quran and the Old Testament [IQ4].

After the Islamic State captured Mosul in 2014, they demolished the mosque, claiming that prayers at this location were idolatry and that its destruction would ensure the purity of the religion [IQ5].

The Prophet Jonah Mosque was a popular destination for both Christian and Muslim pilgrims [IQ4].