ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday inaugurated the Hanging Gardens of Babylon Park in Erbil's Ankawa district, coming as part of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) push to expand green spaces and promote environmentally-friendly projects.

The park covers an area of around 60,000 square meters, features three main entrances, and is built approximately 7 meters above ground level, in addition to an underground tunnel.

"I am happy that, a year after laying the foundation stone for building this park, we have gathered here today,” Barzani said, stressing that the name of the project, which is located in the Christian-majority neighborhood, reflects the Region’s long history of peaceful coexistence.

The ancient Mesopotamian city of Babylon, located in present-day Iraq, is mentioned extensively in the Bible and played a significant role in Christian history.

“All of you [people of Kurdistan] deserve greater services, and we, together, will do whatever we can, in hopes of building a healthier community for ourselves, for tourists, and for our guests,” he added.

In recent years, the KRG has launched environmental initiatives to expand green spaces, curb unchecked urban development, preserve groundwater resources, and provide clean drinking water to residents.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday inaugurated the Hanging Gardens of Babylon park in Erbil’s Ankawa with a stunning display of fireworks pic.twitter.com/tInLMHIb3D

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“Behind me, the tallest flagpole in Iraq has been erected in this park, which is a source of great pride. I am very happy to see our nation progressing day by day,” Barzani added.

The flagpole in question rises to 63-meters in height, and is surrounded by 175 smaller flags arranged in a square formation bearing the banner of the Kurdistan Region.

The park, the construction of which was first directed by the prmeier in 2023, is expected to develop into one of the city’s major green spaces and is now open to the public.

It also includes a designated area for sports facilities, including padel courts.

In late October, the premier also inaugurated the Erbil Green Belt, which involves planting millions of trees and constructing more than ten water retention ponds. The belt is designed to boost afforestation, address climate change, and safeguard agricultural land from being converted into commercial or residential use.