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Al-Amiriya Shelter: A Memorial to Tragedy

A poignant Baghdad memorial to the Al-Amiriya Shelter bombing during the Gulf War, honoring the lives lost and promoting peace.

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The Al-Amiriya Shelter in Baghdad stands as a memorial to the hundreds of civilians who perished in a 1991 bombing during the Gulf War. Once a civilian air-raid shelter, it became a tragic site of immense loss, and now serves as a poignant reminder of the war's impact on the Iraqi people.

A brief summary to Al-Amiriya Shelter

  • 77WJ+W8G, Al-Mutheef St, Baghdad, Ameria, Baghdad Governorate, IQ
  • +9647903371100
  • Monday 8 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 4:25 am-1:13 am
  • Thursday 8 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful and reflective experience.
  • Take time to read the memorial plaques to fully understand the history and personal stories of the victims.
  • Respect the solemn nature of the site; avoid loud conversations and disruptive behavior.
  • Bring water and snacks, as nearby amenities may be limited.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Baghdad and offer a direct route to the Al-Amiriya Shelter. From central Baghdad, a taxi ride to the Al-Amiriya neighborhood typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare should be agreed upon before departure, as taxis in Baghdad are not always equipped with meters. A typical fare from downtown Baghdad to Al-Amiriya ranges from IQD 23,325 (approximately $18 USD) for an 8km ride. Be sure to have Iraqi Dinar for payment, as credit cards are not widely accepted.

  • Public Transport

    While Baghdad's public transportation system has limited reliability, buses and shared minibuses can be used to reach the general vicinity of Al-Amiriya. From a major transportation hub like Alawi, take a minibus heading towards Al-Amiriya. The fare for a minibus from Qadisiyyah to Baghdad is approximately IQD 2,000 per person. From the nearest bus stop in Al-Amiriya, a local taxi can be hired to reach the shelter itself. This final taxi leg should cost around IQD 5,000. Note that bus routes and schedules can be irregular, so allow for extra travel time.

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Discover more about Al-Amiriya Shelter

Al-Amiriya Shelter serves as a haunting memorial park in the Al-Amiriya neighborhood of Baghdad, commemorating the tragic loss of civilian lives during the Gulf War. On February 13, 1991, the shelter, used by hundreds of civilians seeking refuge, was struck by U.S. Air Force bombs, resulting in the deaths of at least 408 people, including women and children. Originally constructed in the 1980s as a nuclear-attack-resistant air-raid shelter, the Al-Amiriya Shelter was meant to provide safety. However, during the Gulf War, it was allegedly identified as a potential military command center, leading to the devastating bombing. The attack involved two GBU-27 Paveway III laser-guided bombs that pierced through the shelter's reinforced concrete, causing a catastrophic inferno. The memorial now stands as a stark reminder of the horrors of war. Visitors can see the preserved remnants of the shelter, including the scorched walls and the imprints of victims. Black-and-white photographs of those who perished line the walls, serving as a powerful testament to the human cost of conflict. The atmosphere is somber, encouraging reflection on the impact of war and the importance of peace. Visiting the Al-Amiriya Shelter offers a unique opportunity to understand a crucial part of Baghdad's contemporary history and to pay respects to the victims of the tragic event. It stands as a symbol of resilience and a call for peace in a region that has experienced decades of conflict.

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