More than 1.2 million Iraqi citizens passed through the gates of Zawra Park in northwest Baghdad’s Karkh district as they gathered with friends and family to celebrate the Eid al-Adha Dec. 8-11.

This is a time of year when many families come together; and this year, those families chose to spend time together by visiting the park or touring the Baghdad Zoo to take in many of the recently opened exhibits.

Dr. Adel Salman Mosa, the zoo’s director, expressed his happiness and excitement over the size of the crowds during the past week.

“During the Eid celebration in Zawra Zoo, the new reptile exhibit was what most people were interested in seeing,” said Adel. “Everyone loved the newly added crocodiles, chimpanzees, snakes and tortoise exhibits.”

“The task to ensure that the Iraqi experience in the park and zoo was a safe one required the combined planning and execution efforts of numerous agencies,” said Capt. Michael Roscoe, Iraqi Security Forces coordinator, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, operationally attached to the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division –Baghdad. “Col. Geaber Nema Shnawa, the Zawra Park security director, was just one of several leading figures in this critical effort.”

Roscoe said the leaders of the 54th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, several local Iraqi Police stations and the Zawra Park’s 160 facilities protection service officers, all contributed to this highly successful venture.

As the crowds grew with each passing day, each of the security agencies ensured their people were ready to support the task at hand..

“It was checking and searching people one by one that created such a safe environment during the Eid celebration,” said Geaber. “Also, my guards were able to pass out gifts and candy to children, who came to the event, and if they needed a ride home, we were able to provide them with taxi fare.”

The five-day Eid celebration in the park marks the third in a series of highly successful events hosted in Zawra Park in the past four months,” said Maj. Ryan Remley, executive officer, 4th Bn. 42nd FA Regt.

Almost two million Iraqis visited the Park as part of the post-Ramadan celebration in late September, while in mid-November, local citizens gathered in the park to celebrate “Baghdad Days” and enjoyed a free concert.

“Each of these gatherings has not had a single reportable incident and demonstrates the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces to secure these large-scale events,” said Remley. “These highly successful events are just one more sign that normalcy is returning to the capital city.”

MNF-I

Iraqi police and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers visited Zawra Park in the Karkh District of Baghdad for a firsthand view of the bustling area on Oct. 5, 2008.

Huge numbers of visitors came to the busy city park as part of Eid al Fitr, the three-day celebration that marks the end of the Ramadan month of fasting.

“It’s a big celebration today,” said Lt. Col. Robert Kirby, commander of 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “You’ve got the end of Ramadan festival when everyone breaks the fast, and this has always been a historic place for them to gather.”

It has been years since the people have gathered in such numbers following Ramadan.

“We have a lot of people coming in and out of the park, an increasing number of people,” said Iraqi police Brig. Gen. Ali, leader of the policemen who are in charge of the Karkh area, to include Zawra Park.

“The man in charge of the park told me today 500,000 visitors have come each day for five days,” said Ali. “Last year, it was probably half that many.”

The reason behind the huge influx in numbers of visitors this year is evident in the faces of the people as they feel safer now which makes them more willing to get out with their families and enjoy an evening at the park.

“We come to the park typically on holidays,” said Jameela, a Baghdad resident who was at the park with her children. “This time is much better than before [in terms of safety], better than last year or the year prior to that.”

“Now security is very good. It is safe and I think people are coming here because of that,” said Ali.

The effects of improved security can be seen in the smiles and the music and the picnics in gathering places around Baghdad like Zawra Park.

DVIDS
By Staff Sgt. Brock Jones
Multi-National Division – Baghdad