Alarm over book destruction in Iraq

UNESCO has expressed alarm over reports of the massive destruction of books in Iraq's northern city of Mosul.

An Iraqi man looks at books on al-Mutanabi Street, home to the book market in central Baghdad

The United Nations cultural agency has expressed alarm over reports of the massive destruction of books in museums, libraries and universities in Iraq's northern city of Mosul.

UNESCO says the burning of the books is an attack on culture, knowledge and identity.

Director-General of the agency, Irina Bokova has condemned the destruction, describing it as barbaric.

She spoke to Zara Zaher about its impact on the Iraqi people.

(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full interview)