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Victory Arch: Swords of Qādisiyyah

A monumental landmark in Baghdad, commemorating the Iran-Iraq War with its iconic crossed swords and outstretched hands.

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The Victory Arch, also known as the Swords of Qādisiyyah, is a triumphal arch in Baghdad, Iraq. Consisting of two outstretched hands holding crossed swords, the monument commemorates the Iran-Iraq War and serves as a striking landmark in the city.

A brief summary to Victory Arch

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

Local tips

  • Visit during the day for the best lighting to photograph the intricate details of the monument.
  • Be respectful of the monument's historical significance and cultural context.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Al-Shaheed Monument for a comprehensive cultural experience.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Baghdad. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Victory Arch typically costs between 5,000 to 10,000 IQD. Ensure to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

  • Public Transport

    Baghdad has a developing public transportation system, including buses. Check local routes for the most up-to-date information. Bus fares are generally very affordable, costing only a few hundred IQD. From areas like Al-Alawi, buses may offer routes to locations near the Victory Arch.

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Discover more about Victory Arch

The Victory Arch, officially known as the Swords of Qādisiyyah, is a pair of triumphal arches located in central Baghdad. Popularly called the Hands of Victory or the Crossed Swords, each arch features two massive hands emerging from the ground, each gripping a 43-meter-long sword. The swords meet at a central point about 40 meters above the ground. The arches mark the entrances to what was once known as Grand Festivities Square, a parade ground constructed to commemorate the Iran-Iraq War, which was started by Iraq's then-president Saddam Hussein. The monument was opened to the public on August 8, 1989. 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 was conceived by Saddam Hussein and executed by Iraqi sculptors Khaled al-Rahal and Mohammed Ghani Hikmat. The swords are based on those carried by Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, a leader at the Battle of Qadisiyya. Some suggest the monument alludes to the death of Husayn ibn Ali, a Shi'a martyr, though it broadly symbolizes Iraqis who fell in any war. Today, the Victory Arch is one of Baghdad's most photographed monuments. Visitors can stand in specific locations to create the illusion that they are holding the swords.

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