One of the few businesses to have reopened is Steve Ibrahim's alcohol shop in the town centre; in the absence of cafes it has become a meeting point for local people. "Business has been good so far. Everybody comes here to stock up," said Ibrahim, who has just reopened the store with his father.
They lost everything when Islamic State, known by its enemies as Daesh, wrecked their business. Now they have invested about $400 to refurbish the shop - new tiles shine on the walls - and customers are coming from beyond the town and from across the communities.
"I sell drinks to Christians and Muslims alike," he said. "Many people come from Mosul or other towns."
Many of Ibrahim's customers ignore Islam's forbidding of alcohol consumption. While he was talking, a Sunni Muslim from eastern Mosul drove up to buy a bottle of whisky and four cans of beer, packed in a black plastic bag to hide his purchase from the eyes of more religiously observant Muslims.
"You couldn't drink during Daesh. I am glad this shop is open again," said the man who gave his name only as Mohammed, shaking hands with Christians enjoying an afternoon beer. "I still only drink at home."
Later a Shi'ite from a village south of Mosul arrived to pick up drinks. "I come here twice a week. It's the only shop in the area," he said, asking not to be named, before driving off.
Even Ibrahim comes every day from Erbil, bringing by car supplies and fuel for the generator to power the fridges filled with cold beer. Then he drives back at night.