Tahrir Monument: A Symbol of Iraqi Identity

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A powerful symbol of Iraq's independence and resilience, the Tahrir Monument in Baghdad's Liberation Square is a must-see landmark.

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Tahrir Monument

The Tahrir Monument, located in Baghdad's Tahrir Square, commemorates Iraq's declaration of independence and stands as a powerful symbol of the nation's history and resilience. Designed by sculptor Jawad Saleem, the monument depicts events leading up to the 1958 revolution, using bronze figures on a travertine wall to consciously reference ancient Mesopotamian art.

A brief summary to Tahrir Monument

Baghdad, Shorjah, Baghdad Governorate, IQ

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tahrir Monument.

Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the details of the monument and the surrounding square.
Take time to walk around Tahrir Square and observe the historical buildings and atmosphere.
Check local news and travel advisories before visiting due to the potential for demonstrations or security concerns.

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Getting There

Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Baghdad and offer a convenient way to reach Tahrir Monument. From most locations in central Baghdad, a taxi ride to Tahrir Square will typically cost between IQD 5,000 to IQD 10,000, depending on the distance and traffic conditions. Be sure to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey. For example, a taxi from Al-Mansour district to Tahrir Square, roughly 8 km, may cost around IQD 23,325.
Public Transport

Baghdad has a public bus system that connects various parts of the city, including routes that pass near Tahrir Square. Check local bus routes for options that stop at or near the square. Bus fares are very affordable, typically costing only a few hundred Iraqi Dinars. Note that bus services may be infrequent and routes can change.
Walking

If you are staying in central Baghdad, Tahrir Square might be within walking distance. From Al-Sa'doon Street, head west towards Al-Jumhuriya Bridge; the square is located at the intersection. Be prepared for a potentially long walk, especially during the hotter months, and always carry water.

Discover more about Tahrir Monument

The Tahrir Monument (also known as Nasb al-Hurriyah, meaning Freedom Monument) is an iconic landmark in the heart of Baghdad, situated in Al-Tahrir Square (Liberation Square). This monument commemorates Iraq's declaration of independence and stands as a testament to the Iraqi people's enduring spirit.Designed by the renowned Iraqi sculptor Jawad Saleem and architect Rifat Chadirji, the monument was opened in 1961. It consists of bronze figures on a travertine wall and portrays key events leading up to the creation of the Republic of Iraq in 1958. The bas-relief figures intentionally echo the artistic traditions of ancient Mesopotamia. The monument is intended to be read as a verse of Arabic poetry, from right to left, starting with the events that preceded the revolution and concluding with the harmony that followed independence.The monument comprises 14 bronze units installed on a white foundation that is 50 meters wide. The sculptures include representations of ordinary people – a woman hugging a martyr, a political prisoner, workers and soldiers, and a child pointing to the future, symbolizing the Iraqi people's struggle for freedom. The multiple references and hidden layers of meaning within the monument have inspired artists across the Arab region, encouraging them to pursue artwork with a national identity.Tahrir Square itself is Baghdad's biggest and most central square, located in the Al-Rusafa part of the city, on the eastern banks of the Tigris River. The square has been the center of various protests and demonstrations in Baghdad and Iraq, most notably the unrest of the October 2019 Iraqi protests.