QARAQOSH, Iraq — Ruaa Faraj Albana, a Christian artist from Qaraqosh, is busy preparing stained glass windows ahead of the papal visit to her town.
Albana, a fine arts graduate from Mosul University, spent four years in Erbil’s Ainkawa neighbourhood after the Islamic State (ISIS) took control of Qaraqosh in 2014. She returned to her hometown four years later.

“We returned to a ruined town. It was a very sad and painful feeling when I saw the town destroyed. But we still wanted to return to our town and our house.”

The artist has had several works displayed in France, and is now working on stained glass windows for the al-Tahira church in Qaraqosh.

“Most of my works from the exhibition were on migration , as well as drowning of migrants in the sea. But my last work was hopeful for return, as could be seen in the colours.”

“Father Ammar in al-Tahira asked me to paint on glass, that’s why I dedicated all my time to the Church, because I like to work on it myself and paint on al-Tahira’s windows” she said.

“I started drawing the sketches at the beginning of November. It not easy, because it was my first time doing something like that. The pictures they wanted were the stations of the cross.”

Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Qaraqosh on Sunday, after visiting the Old City of Mosul. 

“After we found out the pope is coming to visit the church, my happiness doubled and I began working more than 18 hours [a day]. I am so happy I’m doing this, it’s been my dream for a long time to see the windows of al-Tahira church with my artwork on them.”

“I haven’t made the smallest mistake in colors or even the lines. I have paid attention to every single detail.”

Translated by Khazan Jangiz