Sami Abdulrahman Park is a major public park in Erbil, located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It has become a symbol of leisure, culture, and remembrance.
The park was built on the former site of Saddam Hussein’s 5th Corps Army military base. Construction began and was completed in 1998. The park is named in honor of Sami Abdulrahman, the former Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, who was killed in a suicide bombing on February 1, 2004, at the age of 71. A memorial for the 2004 Erbil bombings stands within the park.
Covering 200 hectares (2.0 km²), Sami Abdulrahman Park features two lakes, a rose garden, and the Martyrs Monument. The monument bears the inscription, “Freedom is not free,” commemorating those who sacrificed for the region. Visitors can enjoy a restaurant, market, and open spaces for recreational activities.
The park also hosts the finish line of the annual Erbil Marathon, drawing athletes and spectators from across the region. Its combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational facilities makes it one of Erbil’s most visited destinations.
Sami Abdulrahman Park remains a vibrant center for community gatherings, remembrance events, and tourism, reflecting the resilience and spirit of the Kurdistan Region.