Baghdad Celebrates Reopening of Historic Al-Rasheed Street

The first section of Al-Rasheed Street reopened in Baghdad on Thursday evening, following a major rehabilitation effort that has transformed both its appearance and infrastructure.

The project is part of the Old Baghdad Rehabilitation Project, overseen by the Baghdad Municipality and the Iraqi Private Banks League, with financial backing from the Central Bank of Iraq. The restored stretch runs from Al-Midan Square to Al-Rusafi Square, where historic buildings were carefully renovated to reflect the street’s original architectural character.

The rehabilitation goes far beyond cosmetic improvements. Crews renewed wastewater and electricity networks, upgraded telecommunications and internet lines, installed civil defence systems, and even introduced a heritage tramway line to improve mobility. A new municipal service centre and local police station have also been established to serve the area, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project.

During the opening ceremony, officials announced the launch of the second phase, which will extend the rehabilitation from Al-Rusafi Square to Abu Nuwas Street.

Al-Rasheed Street has long been central to Baghdad’s political, cultural, and economic history. Its deterioration over decades left a visible scar on the city’s image.

The rehabilitation, has already sparked a wave of optimism. Just hours after reopening, the street witnessed a large turnout of citizens, eager to reconnect with a landmark many see as the beating heart of the capital.