Republic Day in Iraq is observed every July 14 and commemorates the overthrow of the Hashemite monarchy by Abd al-Karim Qasim in 1958, marking the establishment of a republic. This public holiday celebrates the day when Qasim became the first Prime Minister of Iraq, following the 14 July Revolution, during which King Faisal II and several members of the royal family were killed. The holiday was officially declared in 2005, coinciding with the erection of a statue of Qasim in central Baghdad. The day serves as a reminder of Iraq's transition from monarchy to republic, reflecting its historical journey since gaining independence from British control in 1932.