Victory Arch Travel Guide

The Victory Arch, officially known as the Swords of Qādisiyyah (Qaws al-Naṣr), stands as a powerful, if controversial, landmark in the heart of Baghdad. Popularly called the Hands of Victory or the Crossed Swords, the monument consists of two arches, each formed by a pair of outstretched hands holding 43-meter-long swords. These arches mark the entrances to the Grand Festivities Square, a parade ground constructed to commemorate Iraq's involvement in the Iran-Iraq War.Commissioned by Saddam Hussein, the Victory Arch was designed by Iraqi sculptor Adil Kamil and constructed between 1986 and 1989. The monument is laden with symbolism, referencing the Battle of al-Qādisiyyah in 636 AD, a pivotal moment in the Muslim conquest of Persia. Saddam Hussein aimed to draw a parallel between this ancient victory and the contemporary conflict with Iran. The hands are said to be modeled after Saddam Hussein's own, further cementing the monument's connection to his regime.For visitors, the Victory Arch offers a unique glimpse into Iraq's complex history. While the monument initially presented a triumphalist narrative related to the Iran-Iraq war, it has evolved to represent the Iraqis who have fallen in any war throughout the country's history. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of the Iraqi people, inviting reflection on the nation's past and present.