Victory Arches

The Victory Arches in Baghdad, Iraq, are monumental structures erected in 1988 to commemorate Iraq's self-proclaimed victory in the Iran-Iraq War. These arches consist of two massive sets of crossed swords, each nearly 150 feet high, mounted on bases shaped like forearms. They were reportedly made from metal taken from captured Iranian weapons.1

A triumphal arch is a monumental structure, often spanning a roadway, built to honor a significant person or event. While associated with ancient Rome, their exact origins are debated. Roman triumphal arches, typically featuring an arched passageway and an attica for inscriptions and statues, served as honorary monuments. Modern examples, like those in Baghdad, continue this tradition of commemorating victories, though their specific design and symbolism can vary greatly.21