Iraqi journalists from Ninawa province are leading a media initiative to foster peace in Mosul in anticipation of its full liberation from the "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS).

A team of 25 journalists have formed the Mosul Journalists Forum to Support Peace, which aims to chronicle the lives of city residents during the ISIS era and in the post-liberation period.

The forum will focus on promoting social reconciliation and uprooting the culture of hatred and revenge.

The decision to establish the forum stems from the media’s role "as a main pillar in rebuilding communities after wars and disasters", said Khudur al-Dumali, one of the journalists who is training team members.

"Our effort is based on clear objectives; we want to take part as journalists in creating an environment of reconciliation in Mosul and in Ninawa for the post-ISIS era," he told Diyaruna.

"We seek to contribute to tackling the culture of hatred and extremism the terrorists have tried to instill in local communities there and build peace, stability, and unity between all parts of society," he said.

A cultural and ideological battle

"After liberating Mosul, our next battle with terrorism will be a cultural battle to eliminate its ideological residues, in collaboration with all intellectuals, writers and journalists," al-Dumali said.

Team members are undergoing intensive training under the auspices of International Media Support (IMS), an international non-governmental organisation based in Denmark.

The training focuses on how to write and create reports and media features that support the rebuilding of peaceful co-existence in crisis areas.

"The training courses will last a full year, and more journalists will get an opportunity to join the team, as well as people wishing to contribute to their communities," al-Dumali said.

"The team will not be limited to a certain number of people," he noted.

Stories of suffering and resilience

The team has started to collect stories about the experiences of Mosul residents.

These document the abuses perpetrated by ISIS and recount the escape of city residents to displacement camps and their rescue by the liberating forces.

By mid June, the first set of stories, with accompanying photos and videos, will be available on a website that will serve as the forum’s first media portal.

"We have collected many stories from local people and currently have 15 media stories ready to be published when our website is launched," said Sufian al-Mashhadani, a journalist taking part in the forum.

"We are trying to choose stories of a human and emotional nature," he told Diyaruna. "Our main aim with this initiative is to focus on ISIS’s crimes and create social movements that oppose violent ideology and generate peace."

"We will seek to combat the repercussions and social problems created by ISIS in Mosul society in particular, and restore the national fabric between individuals," al-Mashhadani added.

"The terrorists brought massive destruction and crimes that have resulted in deep wounds, but we believe in the people’s determination to reunite and start a life free of terrorism," he added.

The team intends to show "the steadfastness and courage of Mosul residents and their challenge and sacrifices in resisting ISIS throughout its occupation of the city", al-Mashhadani said.

The forum's Facebook page, "Mosul 2020", reflects "our aspirations as journalists to make our city safe and flourishing, and enjoy its rebuilding by 2020", he said.