Monument of Unknown Soldier, Memorial monument in Hay Zawra, Iraq
The Monument to the Unknown Soldier features a large copper-clad shield tilted above a cubic structure at its base. An underground museum lies beneath, accessible through a vertical shaft lit by natural light from above.
Construction began in 1979 and finished in 1982 during the Iran-Iraq War, designed by Italian architect Marcello D'Olivo. The project was completed during a period of heavy casualties for the nation.
The monument honors all fallen soldiers without distinction, a meaning that becomes clear as visitors move through the space. Red accents inside serve as reminders of sacrifice throughout the visit.
Access to the underground areas requires descending through a central shaft, so visitors should expect tight spaces during exploration. Natural light filtering from above creates reasonable visibility throughout the interior.
The interior structure consists of seven metal layers that reference an aspect of Islamic tradition. These layers create a multidimensional spatial experience for those exploring inside.
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