Samî Abdulrahman Park Travel Guide

Samî Abdulrahman Park, located in Erbil, is more than just a park; it's a symbol of transformation and resilience for the Kurdistan Region. Once the site of Saddam Hussein's 5th Corps Army military base, a place of torture and suffering, it has been reborn as a verdant oasis of peace and recreation. The park is named in honor of Sami Abdulrahman, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government who was killed in a suicide bombing in 2004.Spanning 200 hectares (0.7 square miles), the park offers a diverse range of attractions and activities. Visitors can stroll along tree-lined pathways, admire the rose gardens, and relax by the artificial lakes with their gushing fountains. Families can enjoy picnics, and children can play in the designated playgrounds. The park also features sports facilities, including basketball and volleyball courts and football fields.Beyond its recreational amenities, Samî Abdulrahman Park also serves as a cultural hub. It contains monuments and art installations that pay homage to Kurdish heritage, including a Martyr's Monument inscribed with the words “Freedom is not free”. The park also hosts various events, such as trade fairs and book fairs. The park is open daily from 6 AM to midnight, providing ample opportunity to enjoy its beauty.