Victory Arch Travel Guide

The Victory Arch, officially known as the Swords of Qādisiyyah (Qaws al-Naṣr), is an iconic landmark in Baghdad, Iraq. Popularly called the Hands of Victory or the Crossed Swords, the monument comprises a pair of triumphal arches located in central Baghdad. Each arch features two outstretched hands holding crossed swords, creating a powerful and imposing image.The arches mark the two entrances to the Grand Festivities Square, a parade ground constructed to commemorate the Iran–Iraq War, which was started and led by Iraq's then-president Saddam Hussein. Opened to the public on August 8, 1989, the Victory Arch serves as a reminder of Iraq's pain, suffering, and eventual victory in the eight-year war. The official name, Swords of Qādisiyyah, alludes to the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah in 636 CE, when Arab armies defeated the Sasanian Empire.The design, based on a concept sketch by Saddam Hussein, was executed by Iraqi sculptors Khaled al-Rahal and Mohammed Ghani Hikmat. The hands are said to be modeled after Saddam Hussein's own hands, and the swords are made from metal from guns and tanks used in the war. Helmets of fallen Iranian soldiers are scattered at the base, symbolizing the Iraqi victory. The Victory Arch is near the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, and together, the monuments form a significant historical unit. Visitors can walk beneath the arch to view the intricate details and reflect on Iraq's history.