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Victory Arch
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The Victory Arch, located near Zawraa Park in central Baghdad, is a 40-meter-tall monumental arch commemorating the Iran-Iraq War of 1980 to 1988. Inaugurated in 1989, the structure consists of two massive bronze hands holding 24-ton stainless steel swords crossed in the air. The architect, Khaled Al-Rahal, designed the monument to span a 30-meter-wide road, allowing military parades to pass directly underneath the swords. The base of the monument is decorated with 2,500 military helmets captured from fallen Iranian soldiers, embedded in concrete and arranged in a net-like pattern. The bronze hands were modeled directly from plaster casts of Saddam Hussein. Despite several proposals to dismantle the structure after the 2003 events, the arches were ultimately preserved as a historical remnant.
- Location: Iraq
- Top sights: Monument of Unknown Soldier · Republican Palace · Victory Arch
- Nearby: Abu Ghraib (23 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 12 | 17 | 23 | 29 | 35 | 37 | 37 | 33 | 27 | 17 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 37 | 33 | 31 | 24 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 29 | 28 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Victory Arch consists of two massive triumphal arches shaped like crossed swords in Baghdad, Iraq. The monument commemorates the Iran-Iraq War. Visitors can view the monument from outside; the surrounding green area is public.
Typical hours
The monument is in public space and can be viewed from outside at any time. There are no fixed visiting hours for the area around the arches. For security reasons, access may sometimes be restricted; check locally.
Photography
Photography of Victory Arch is allowed from public areas. It is recommended to photograph from a safe distance. Avoid photographing nearby military installations.
Time needed
A visit to view the arches and take photos takes about 15-20 minutes. Those wanting to explore the surrounding area should allow 30-45 minutes. The monument is one of several in the area.
Combine with
Victory Arch is located in Baghdad, near al-Firdos Square and the Iraqi National Museum. Combine your visit with other attractions in central Baghdad, such as the Baghdad Tower.
Getting there
The monument is reachable by car or taxi from any part of Baghdad. Local buses may stop nearby. Due to the security situation, it is recommended to hire a local escort or guide.
Insider tip
Visit the monument early morning for the best light and less traffic. Respect the historical significance of the site. Check the current security situation before your trip.
Geography
Facts
- Each stainless steel sword measures 43 meters in length and weighs 24 tons.
- The monument was officially inaugurated to the public on August 8, 1989.
- The bronze hands were modeled directly from plaster casts of Saddam Hussein.
- The base of the triumphal arch features 2,500 military helmets collected from the battlefield.
- The highest point of the crossed swords rises 40 meters above the roadway.
- The massive structure spans a 30-meter-wide road situated near the Green Zone.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Victory Arch (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the Victory Swords?
A pair of identical triumphal arches in Baghdad, featuring massive hands holding crossed swords.
What do they symbolize?
They were built to commemorate Iraq's proclaimed victory in the Iran-Iraq War.
Are the arches accessible to the public?
They are located within a highly secure area (formerly the Green Zone); access is often restricted.
Whose hands were used as a model?
It is widely reported that the hands were modeled after Saddam Hussein's own hands.
What material are they made of?
The swords were cast using metal from melted-down Iraqi tanks and weapons destroyed in the war.
Victory Arch: where is it located?
Victory Arch is located in Iraq.
Victory Arch: what is there to see?
Highlights include Monument of Unknown Soldier, Republican Palace, Victory Arch.
Victory Arch: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Victory Arch: why is it worth visiting?
The Victory Arch, located near Zawraa Park in central Baghdad, is a 40-meter-tall monumental arch commemorating the Iran-Iraq War of 1980 to 1988.
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Monument to the Unknown Soldier
A monumental structure in Baghdad representing a traditional shield, dedicated to the soldiers who died in war.
Al-Zawraa Park
A spacious public park in Baghdad featuring green areas, an amusement park, and a stadium.
Baghdad Zoo
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Al-Mustansiriya University
One of the oldest university buildings in the world, serving as an intellectual center during Baghdad prime.
Al-Mutanabbi Street
A historic street in Baghdad known for its many bookstores and as a cultural center of Iraq.
Al-Qishla
A historic Ottoman building in Baghdad featuring a characteristic clock tower erected in the 19th century.
Abbasid Palace
One of the few remaining historic buildings in Baghdad from the Abbasid era, featuring impressive brickwork architecture.
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