Aylul Park: Erbil's Green Oasis with a Past

Aylul Park, officially named Sami Abdulrehman Park, is far more than just a typical urban green space; it's a landmark that embodies Erbil's transformation. Spanning 200 hectares, this expansive park provides a refreshing contrast to the bustling cityscape, offering a serene environment for relaxation and recreation. In the era of Saddam Hussein, this land was a military base for the Iraqi Army's Fifth Corps, a place of torture and death for Kurdish people, especially Peshmerga fighters and those critical of the regime. The park's transformation began in 1998 when the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) initiated a cleanup of the area, opening the first phase to the public on March 14, 2000. The park is named in honor of Sami Abdulrehman, the KRG's former deputy premier, who tragically died in a suicide bombing in 2004. Today, Aylul Park welcomes thousands of visitors daily, with numbers soaring on Fridays. The park features diverse attractions, including a rose garden, various wild animals and birds, a health club with an open-air swimming pool, a gym, a sauna, two lakes, and a public library. The grounds boast approximately 400,000 trees, with 150,000 strategically planted to offer shaded picnic spots. The park also hosts international events, such as trade fairs and book fairs. For the people of Erbil, Aylul Park is more than just a recreational space; it symbolizes freedom and victory over a dark past. The Martyr's Monument within the park bears the inscription "Freedom is not free," serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for Kurdish liberation.