description Hands of Victory, Baghdad Overview
The Hands of Victory, also known as the Victory Arch, is a pair of monumental triumphal arches in Baghdad, Iraq, each formed from enormous crossed swords gripped by forearms that rise out of the ground. Commissioned under Saddam Hussein and inaugurated in 1989, they commemorated the end of the Iran–Iraq War, which Iraq had declared a victory. The forearms were modeled on casts taken of Saddam Hussein's own arms, and the monument's bases incorporate piles of helmets said to have been taken from Iranian soldiers. The arches stand at a parade ground in central Baghdad and remain prominent monuments of that era.
help Hands of Victory, Baghdad FAQ
What are the Hands of Victory in Baghdad made from?
The monument consists of two enormous crossed swords held by giant forearms rising from the ground. It is also called the Victory Arch or Qāوس النصر in Arabic contexts.
When were the Hands of Victory inaugurated?
The monument was inaugurated in Baghdad in 1989. It was commissioned under Saddam Hussein as a major state monument.
What event did the Hands of Victory commemorate?
The arches were presented as a commemoration of Iraq's claimed victory in the Iran-Iraq War. Their imagery uses swords and monumental scale to convey military triumph.
Where are the Hands of Victory located?
The arches stand in Baghdad at the ceremonial parade-ground area commonly known as the Grand Festivities Square. Their crossed swords form a landmark associated with Saddam-era monumental architecture.
explore Explore More
Similar to Hands of Victory, Baghdad
compare_arrows Compare: Azadi Tower, Tehran See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
