At the northern entrance of Damascus lies the October War Panorama or Tishreen museum.
It commemorates the 1973 Arab-Israeli War (known in Syria as the Tishreen Liberation War).
Surprisingly to many visitors, this museum was a collaborative project between Syria and North Korea.
In fact, a similar war panorama also exists in Egypt, called the 6th of October Panorama, designed to highlight the same theme of the October War.
The October War Panorama stands as a famous landmark that attracts both local and international tourists. Even after Bashar al-Assad’s fall, strict security monitoring remains in place at the site. However, it still welcomes visitors for guided tours. Tourists should coordinate with the Syria Scope Travel agency to ensure safe access to the site.

Panoramic Hall and War Scenes

The interior of the Panorama is crafted to provide an immersive experience, with vivid battle scenes from the October 1973 war. What sets this site apart is that the diorama and many of the artistic embellishments were created by North Korean artists, renowned for their expertise in monumental socialist realism art. Their contributions in Syria exemplify their distinctive artistic style.

Inside the October War Panorama

The October War Panorama Museum invites visitors to explore two wings connected to a central hall.
Stairs on either side guide visitors through the wings to the upper-level panoramic viewing platform, where the remarkable detail brings the war to life.
The first side showcases a variety of tanks, aircraft, and armaments utilized by Syria in its conflicts. The collection also includes Israeli weaponry, particularly tanks that were mostly seized during the 1973 war, along with one tank captured during the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in the 1982 Lebanon War.
The second side displays the wreckage and remnants of Israeli jets that the Syrian Air Defense Force brought down.

The October War Panorama Museum showcases several expansive gallery halls filled with commemorative paintings and murals depicting the late Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, although recent events have damaged some of these works. One standout piece is a prominent 238 m² artwork featuring the president surrounded by the Syrian populace. Artists reportedly used actual soldiers and veterans as models for these paintings, dedicating significant time to the locations depicted to ensure authenticity.

The Cultural Side at the Panorama

Most importantly, the October War Panorama Museum features a range of paintings that celebrate Syria’s history; consequently, reflecting a blend of Arab and Syrian nationalism. Notably, the artworks include representations of the ancient Syrian kingdom of Ebla from the third millennium BC. Additionally, there is a depiction of Queen Zenobia of Palmyra in consultation with her senate, Al-Walid I accompanied by Musa bin Nusayr and Tariq Ibn Ziyad, and a final piece illustrating Saladin in Jerusalem, surrounded by defeated crusaders.

Why Visit the October War Panorama?

For travelers keen on Cold War history, military architecture, or political propaganda, the October War Panorama is a unique destination that offers a fascinating look into the era when Syria and North Korea were ideological allies.
It provides valuable insights into Syria’s past and its connections with other authoritarian regimes. Visiting this location allows you to explore the complex legacy of these relationships and understand a significant chapter in the region’s history.
The October War Panorama is not just a museum; it’s a historical landmark that captures Syria’s military legacy and its unexpected partnership with North Korea. While the future of the site may be uncertain, it serves as a striking symbol of a past era, one that visitors can still explore, reflect on, and learn from. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of history and the relationships that shaped the region.

The Site After Assad: A Changing Legacy

After the fall of the Assad regime, the October War Panorama, which used to glorify the dictator Hafez al-Assad, became a target for public anger. On the night the country finally broke free from Assad’s rule, civilians stormed the site, destroying symbols tied to the Assad family, statues, portraits, and anything else that represented the regime.
Now, the current authorities are taking a fresh look at what to do with the panorama moving forward.

Syrian-North Korean Collaboration

The North Korean government, along with Korean workers, constructed this museum in Damascus, Syria, to honor the achievements of Syria and Egypt during the 1973 war against Israel. Additionally, the museum features a spacious hall dedicated to celebrating the relationship between Syria and North Korea.
Syria and North Korea have shared a connection for many years, rooted in their similar political landscapes. Both nations have been ruled by authoritarian leaders.
In Syria, power passed from Hafez al-Assad to his son Bashar.
In North Korea, the Kim family has maintained control across generations. This shared ideology has led to strong military and political alliances between the two countries. At the peak of their partnership, North Korea played a significant role in supporting Syria through military training, weapons, and various construction projects. A standout example of this collaboration is Kim Il-sung Square, located in the Kafr Sousse district of Damascus. This public space was built by North Korea as a tribute to its founder. Additionally, North Korean architects were behind a residential project in the Zahera Jadida area of Damascus.
Showcasing the depth of their ties during that time.

Current Status of North Korean Presence in Syria

Today, following the decline of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, diplomatic relations between Syria and North Korea have largely come to an end. The North Korean embassy, which used to be situated on Fares Khoury Street near Abbasiyin in Damascus, is now closed and stands empty, heavily guarded. There are no active diplomatic missions between the two countries anymore, highlighting the international isolation both regimes face after years of war and global sanctions.

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