Before ISIL took control of Mosul in 2014, the Iraqi city was famed for its cultural heritage - its poets, musicians and artists.

Now, despite the destruction, they have begun to return.

A cafe in the city has become a centre for cultural life since ISIL's defeat late last year.

Artists feel the reconstruction of the city starts "with rebuilding souls before houses".

Al Jazeera's Charles Stratford reports.