This move caused great controversy among Iraqis and activists criticized the government their failure to protect Iraq's heritage and culture.

[4] The mosque was constructed in 1727, sources indicate that it was restored by Abd al-Wahhab Pasha in 1902 from adobe and mud on an area of 1900 square meters.

In the 20th century and specifically the 1980s, the mosque benefited from various donations that funded its restoration which made it a significant part of the local community’s cultural and historical landscape.

[9] In 2022, Iraqi media reported that al-Sarraji Mosque was being threatened with demolition, following an agreement between the Sunni Endowment Office and the local government in Basra, in order to expand the tourist routes.

[6] On the Friday morning of July 14th, 2023, the local government in Basra Governorate began the process of demolishing and removing al-Sarraji Mosque in order to complete the expansion of the Abu al-Khasib coastal road and due to citizen complaints despite the popular rejection of the idea.

[7][15][16] This event caused great controversy in Iraq and many flocked to social media to express their anger and criticize the government for demolishing the mosque.

[citation needed] On July 15, 2023, the governor addressed the Ministry of Planning, requesting that the project for the construction of al-Sarraji Mosque must be included in the budget of the Petro-Dula at a cost of one billion and eighty-seven million Iraqi dinars for the benefit of the Sunni Endowment Office, and mentioned in their request that the mosque project includes a courtyard, health and service accessories, and classes for teaching the Qur’an.