Baghdad’s Qishla

Baghdad’s Qishla tells the story of modern Iraq. Built by the Ottoman Wali (ruler) in 1869, the Qishla Tower stands 23 meters tall on the bank of the River Tigris in central Baghdad. In 1927, the tower was fitted with a clock, a gift from King George V to the King of Iraq, Faisal I.

This landmark stands in the park of the Serail, seat of Government from 1851 to 1989 when Iraq was under Ottoman rule, then British rule, then independence under the monarchy, and has since survived the political turmoil and conflict.

Today, it is a monument surrounded by palm trees and lush green lawns where school children stroll or play and residents pose for pictures and watch the sun turn the river into a giant mirror.