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Al-Shaheed Monument
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The Al-Shaheed Monument, also known as the Martyr's Monument, was inaugurated in 1983 in Baghdad and is dedicated to the Iraqi soldiers who died during the Iran-Iraq War. Designed by architect Saman Kamal and sculptor Ismail Fatah Al Turk, the structure consists of a massive, 40-meter-high turquoise dome split into two halves. Between the halves, an eternal flame burns, while an underground level below houses a museum, a library, and a cafeteria. The monument stands in the center of an artificial lake on a circular island, symbolizing the immortality of the soul through its opened form. It is regarded as one of the most significant examples of modern Iraqi architecture and is widely known for its abstract aesthetics and technical precision. Today, the facility serves not only as a memorial site but also as a public park and a prominent cultural landmark of the capital city of Baghdad.
- Location: Iraq
- Top sights: Al Ma'mal Street · sharie alkahraba · The House of the Masters
- Nearby: Abu Ghraib (30 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 12 | 17 | 23 | 29 | 35 | 37 | 37 | 33 | 27 | 17 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 37 | 33 | 31 | 24 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 29 | 28 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Al-Shaheed Monument in Baghdad is a public monument that can be viewed from the outside at any time. Access to the interior of the monument is usually not possible as it is a memorial site.
Typical hours
The outdoor area of the monument is accessible around the clock. The surrounding park is open during the day and has a pleasant place to stay.
Photography
Photography of the monument from the outside is allowed at any time and provides great subjects. The iconic blue dome and crescent shape are particularly photogenic.
Time needed
Visiting the outdoor area and the park takes about 20 to 30 minutes. For a thorough examination of the architecture and surrounding memorials, you should allow 45 minutes.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Baghdad Tower, which features a panoramic view of the city. Al-Fardous Square with its famous monument is also just a short drive away.
Getting there
The monument is located in the Karrada district of Baghdad and is accessible by taxi or private vehicle. Parking options are available along the surrounding streets.
Insider tip
Visit the monument in the late afternoon when the setting sun bathes the blue dome in warm light. Be mindful of your safety and inform yourself in advance about the current situation in Baghdad.
Geography
Facts
- The monument was officially opened in 1983 during the presidency of Saddam Hussein.
- The distinctive turquoise dome reaches an impressive height of exactly 40 meters.
- The diameter of the circular platform on which the monument stands is about 190 meters.
- The outer skin of the dome consists of galvanized steel frames clad with ceramic tiles.
- Beneath the platform lies a museum area spread across two underground floors.
- The project cost an estimated 250 million US dollars at the time of its construction.
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Sights in the town Al-Shaheed Monument (14)
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Frequently asked questions
What does the Al-Shaheed Monument represent?
It commemorates Iraqi soldiers killed in the Iran-Iraq War; its two blue dome halves represent a split dome.
In which part of Baghdad is it located?
It is located in the Rusafa district on the eastern side of the Tigris River in Baghdad.
Can visitors go inside the monument?
Yes, there is a level beneath the domes that houses a museum, a library, and exhibition halls.
How tall is the monument?
The turquoise-colored dome halves stand approximately 40 meters high.
Is photography allowed on the grounds?
Photography is generally permitted in the outdoor areas, but restrictions may apply inside the facility.
Al-Shaheed Monument: where is it located?
Al-Shaheed Monument is located in Iraq.
Al-Shaheed Monument: what is there to see?
Highlights include Al Ma'mal Street, sharie alkahraba, The House of the Masters.
Al-Shaheed Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Al-Shaheed Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The Al-Shaheed Monument, also known as the Martyr's Monument, was inaugurated in 1983 in Baghdad and is dedicated to the Iraqi soldiers who died during the Iran-Iraq War.
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