Baghdad Planetarium, Astronomy education center in Zawra'a Park, Baghdad, Iraq.
The Baghdad Planetarium is an astronomy building in Zawra'a Park featuring a distinctive central dome structure positioned across from the city's main railway station. Its architectural design makes it a recognizable landmark within the park grounds.
The building opened in 1979 as the first planetarium in the Middle East. Its establishment reflected broader efforts to develop scientific institutions in Iraq during that period.
The planetarium functioned as a primary educational institution for astronomy in Iraq, attracting students and researchers from across the region until 1991.
The building is not currently accessible to visitors and shows signs of damage from past conflicts. Those interested in its history can view its exterior and location within the park from outside.
The facility's founding coincided with Iraq joining the International Astronomical Union as part of a broader scientific initiative. This connection shows how the institution reflected regional ambitions for scientific advancement.
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