Baghdad Tourist Island, Recreation complex in Baghdad, Iraq
Baghdad Tourist Island is an oval island in the Tigris about 20 km north of Baghdad, near the Sabe Abkar area. It holds a 63-metre tower with four openings and a lift for eight people, an amusement park, restaurants, a cinema and theatre house, plazas and gardens, plus a small dam and artificial lake on its north side.
The park was developed and built by a Finnish company in the 1980s after years of planning by city officials. The project represented an effort to create a modern recreation space along the Tigris for the city's residents.
The island's earlier names were the Tourist Camp and Shahriyar Casino, and its geographical name was Sirrat Island. Its restaurants carry star ratings: Baghdad Island, Fish, River and Ziryab hold four stars, the Family restaurant three, and the Bolink cafeteria three. Ziryab seats about 250 and the Family restaurant about 230.
The park is open during daylight hours and can be explored on foot using paved walkways. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection or an umbrella depending on the season.
The island's geographical name was Sirrat, and it was previously known as the Tourist Camp and Shahrzad Casino. The 63-metre tower stands on a small artificial lake within the larger lake; a lift for eight people climbs to a kiosk selling sweets and soft drinks.
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