Victory Arch, Baghdad Travel Guide

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Discover the Victory Arch in Baghdad, a symbol of Iraq's resilience and a poignant reminder of its rich, complex history. A must-see landmark!

The Victory Arch, also known as the Swords of Qādisiyyah, is an iconic monument in Baghdad, Iraq, commemorating the Iran-Iraq War. Featuring two massive hands holding crossed swords, it stands as a testament to Iraq's strength and resilience.

A brief summary to Victory Arch

894P+4H4, Baghdad, Janain, Baghdad Governorate, IQ

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Victory Arch.

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Take a moment to read the inscriptions on the arch for a deeper historical context.
Explore nearby parks for a peaceful area to relax and enjoy the views.

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Getting There

Taxi

Taxis are a common and convenient way to reach the Victory Arch in Baghdad. From central Baghdad, a taxi ride to the Victory Arch typically costs between 5,000 to 15,000 IQD, depending on the starting location and traffic conditions. It's advisable to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting the journey.
Public Transport

To reach the Victory Arch via public transportation, take a bus heading towards Baghdad city center. Upon arrival at the central bus station, transfer to a local taxi to cover the final distance to the Victory Arch. Provide the taxi driver with the address '894P+4H4, Baghdad'. Bus fares are affordable, but the quality of the bus system may vary. The taxi fare from the central bus station to the Victory Arch typically ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 IQD.

Discover more about Victory Arch

The Victory Arch, officially known as the Swords of Qādisiyyah (Qaws al-Naṣr), is a pair of triumphal arches located in central Baghdad. Popularly called the Hands of Victory or the Crossed Swords, each arch consists of two outstretched hands holding crossed swords. The arches mark the entrances to the Grand Festivities Square and parade ground, constructed to commemorate the Iran–Iraq War, which was started by Iraq's then-president Saddam Hussein. The arches were opened to the public on August 8, 1989.The monument was commissioned by Saddam Hussein to commemorate the Iran-Iraq War, which lasted from 1980 to 1988. Designed by Iraqi sculptor Adil Kamil, and constructed between 1986 and 1989, the structure consists of two enormous hands, each holding a sword, which meet in the middle to form an arch. The hands are modeled after Saddam Hussein's own hands, and the swords are 43 meters long, symbolizing the strength and victory of the Iraqi forces. The name 'Swords of Qādisiyyah' refers to the Battle of al-Qādisiyyah in 636 AD, during the Muslim conquest of Persia, drawing a parallel between this ancient victory and the contemporary conflict with Iran.Visitors can walk beneath the arch and view the intricate details of the bronze hands and swords. The surrounding area also features other historical landmarks. The Victory Arch is near the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.