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Monument to the Unknown Soldier

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Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)

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The Monument to the Unknown Soldier, located adjacent to Zawraa Park in Baghdad, was inaugurated in 1982 to honor Iraqi soldiers who died during the Iran-Iraq War. Designed by Italian engineer Marcello D Olivo and Iraqi sculptor Khaled Al-Rahal, the central element of the structure is a 42-meter-diameter cantilevered steel roof resembling a dropping shield. This shield structure tilts at a 12-degree angle over a glass skylight that illuminates the underground museum. At the center of the complex, resting on an artificial hill, is a steel cube covered with 250 tons of red granite. A spiral staircase leads up to an 18-meter-high observation deck, providing a view of the surrounding parade grounds. The underground level contains a 3,000-square-meter exhibition space.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C91217232935373733271711
Rain mm3733312470001112928

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Baghdad is a freely accessible open-air structure that can be visited at any time. The shield-shaped construction can be seen from all sides and there are no access restrictions.
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Typical hours
As the monument stands in public space, it is accessible 24 hours a day. For the best view and atmospheric photos, a visit in the early morning or late evening hours is recommended.
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Photography
Photography is allowed anytime without restrictions. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire monumental shield shape; impressive shots can be taken especially at sunset.
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Time needed
Visiting the monument takes about 15-30 minutes, enough time for photos and a brief look. If you want to explore the surrounding green area, allow 45 minutes.
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Combine with
The monument is located near the Baghdad National Museum and the Shahid Monument. Combining it with these two sites makes for a half-day cultural walk.
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Getting there
The monument is easily accessible by taxi; it is located along a main road near the entrance to the Green Zone. Parking is available on the surrounding streets, but caution regarding the security situation is advised.
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Insider tip
Visit the monument in the late afternoon when the setting sun dramatically illuminates the shield shape. Keep your ID card handy as checks may be conducted in the area.

Geography

Coordinates
33.30390, 44.38170

Facts

  • The complex was constructed between 1979 and 1982 based on designs by Khaled Al-Rahal.
  • The cantilevered roof forming the shield has a 42-meter diameter and tilts at a 12-degree angle.
  • The central memorial cube is covered with 250 tons of red granite material.
  • An artificial hill with a diameter of 250 meters was created around the monument.
  • The underground level houses an exhibition space spanning 3,000 square meters.
  • The observation deck of the monument is situated at a height of 18 meters.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Victory ArchVictory Arch<1 km · NExplore →
BaghdadBaghdad2 km · SEExplore →
TigrisTigris3 km · NEExplore →
Al-QishlaAl-Qishla3 km · EExplore →
Baghdad TowerBaghdad Tower4 km · SEExplore →
Daura RefineryDaura Refinery4 km · NWExplore →
Abu Hanifa MosqueAbu Hanifa Mosque5 km · SEExplore →
Al-Kadhimiya MosqueAl-Kadhimiya Mosque8 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Monument to the Unknown Soldier (6)

Adnan Palace🏛 museum

The Adnan Palace, situated among Baghdad's prominent landmarks, is a monumental former presidential residence now functioning as a museum space. Its lavish halls display artifacts within grand, palatial architecture.

Victory Arch🏺 historical

The Victory Arch is a towering monument in Baghdad featuring two massive hands holding crossed swords to commemorate the Iran-Iraq War. Cast partly from melted down weapons, it forms a dramatic entrance to the parade grounds.

Baghdad Clock📍 landmark

The Baghdad Clock is a prominent public clock tower located within the city's green zone area, functioning as a recognizable architectural landmark. The tall, traditional-style tower features a multi-faced clock face overlooking the surrounding square.

Um Al Khanzeer Island🌳 park

Um Al Khanzeer Island is a prominent landmass situated in the middle of the Tigris River, serving as a green recreational park. Heavily forested, it provides a natural escape within Baghdad's urban landscape.

Al Jadriyah Bridge📍 landmark

The Al Jadriyah Bridge spans the Tigris River, acting as a crucial concrete artery connecting different neighborhoods of Baghdad. Its long, multi-span structure features wide views of the river and the surrounding monumental landmarks.

Mandaen Sabaa📍 landmark

This Mandaean sanctuary provides a specialized space for the Sabian community near the banks of the Tigris River. It is designed to accommodate the vital water purification rituals central to the Mandaean faith.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Unknown Soldier Monument?
It is a monument in Baghdad dedicated to the fallen Iraqi soldiers who died in various conflicts.
What is the architectural style?
The main feature is a massive, inclined concrete shield that covers an underground museum and ceremonial space.
Where exactly in Baghdad is it located?
It is located in the Karkh district, near Zawra Park and the Victory Arch.
Can visitors visit the museum beneath the monument?
Access is frequently restricted due to security concerns or ongoing official ceremonies.
When was it inaugurated?
It was completed in 1982, during the height of the Iran-Iraq War.
Monument to the Unknown Soldier: where is it located?
Monument to the Unknown Soldier is located in Iraq.
Monument to the Unknown Soldier: what is there to see?
Highlights include Adnan Palace, Victory Arch, Baghdad Clock.
Monument to the Unknown Soldier: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Monument to the Unknown Soldier: why is it worth visiting?
The Monument to the Unknown Soldier, located adjacent to Zawraa Park in Baghdad, was inaugurated in 1982 to honor Iraqi soldiers who died during the Iran-Iraq War.
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Nearby cities

Baghdad — Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)
Baghdad
The capital and largest city of Iraq, situated on the Tigris River.
Abu Ghraib — Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)
Abu Ghraib
A suburb west of Baghdad, located in the Baghdad Governorate.

History & landmarks

Baghdad Tower — Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)
Baghdad Tower
A prominent television tower in Baghdad originally built in the 1990s, featuring an observation deck.
Abu Hanifa Mosque — Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)
Abu Hanifa Mosque
A major Sunni mosque in Baghdad, built around the tomb of the prominent Islamic legal scholar Abu Hanifa.
Al-Kadhimiya Mosque — Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)
Al-Kadhimiya Mosque
An important Islamic shrine in Baghdad containing the tombs of the seventh and ninth Twelver Shia Imams.

Nature

Tigris — Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)
Tigris
The Tigris is one of the two great rivers of Mesopotamia, flowing through the center of Iraq.

More places

Victory Arch — Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)
Victory Arch
A pair of massive triumphal arches shaped like crossed swords in Baghdad, commemorating the Iran-Iraq War.
Al-Zawraa Park — Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)
Al-Zawraa Park
A spacious public park in Baghdad featuring green areas, an amusement park, and a stadium.
Baghdad Zoo — Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)
Baghdad Zoo
The largest zoo in Iraq, located in Al-Zawraa Park, offering families a variety of native and exotic animals.
Al-Mustansiriya University — Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)
Al-Mustansiriya University
One of the oldest university buildings in the world, serving as an intellectual center during Baghdad prime.
Al-Qishla — Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)
Al-Qishla
A historic Ottoman building in Baghdad featuring a characteristic clock tower erected in the 19th century.
Al-Mutanabbi Street — Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)
Al-Mutanabbi Street
A historic street in Baghdad known for its many bookstores and as a cultural center of Iraq.
Abbasid Palace — Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)
Abbasid Palace
One of the few remaining historic buildings in Baghdad from the Abbasid era, featuring impressive brickwork architecture.
Daura Refinery — Monument to the Unknown Soldier (Iraq)
Daura Refinery
A major oil refinery in Baghdad, established in the 1950s, producing fuels for the capital region.