Order Of The Two Rivers.

[medals73]

Wisam al-Rafidain / Order of the Two Rivers

Named for the two great rivers of Iraq, the Tigris and Euphrates, this order is awarded for exceptional service to Iraq. In general, it was the multi-purpose order of Iraq before 2003. It exists in both military and civil classes.

Two distinct varieties of the badge exist, the pre-Revolutionary royal variety with central crown, and the Republican version, with the crown predictably replaced with the Republican eagle. There are two versions of the Republican badge, distinguished by different inscriptions. The civil version is suspended by a wreath and has a ribbon of red with two black stripes, the military division by a wreath with crossed swords and the ribbon adds an additional black stripe.

Established: In 1922 by King Faisal I. The order was revised and redesigned by Law No. 87 of 24 May 1959 after the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the republic. In 1963, the obverse inscription was altered. A collar was established by Law No. 1 of 1968. For most of its history, the insigniae seem to have been manufactured by Arthus Bertrand (Paris, France). Awards were terminated with the 2003 foreign invasion and occupation. While there has been rumored discussion of reinstituting this award, this has apparently not taken place.

Obverse: A circular silver-gilt or silver star, maroon-enameled, of eight points, each point ending in a ball. Between the points, a wreath in green enamed with white (lotus?) flowers. In the center, a white circle with an Arabic inscription “Al-Mamlaka al-Iraqiah / Hub al-Watan min al-Iman” or “The Iraqi Kingdom / Loving the Country is Faith”. Inside this circle, there was until 1959, a gold crown on a blue background; after 1959, this crown has been replaced with the silver eagle of the Republic. From 1959 until 1968, the inscription read “Al-Jamhuriya al-Iraq / Hub al-Watan min al-Iman” or “The Republic of Iraq / Loving the Country is Faith”; after 1968, it legend was altered to “???”. The civil division is suspended by a wreath, while the military division adds crossed swords to this wreath.

Reverse: Until 1959, the legend “Al-Adil asas al-Mulk / Faisal al-‘Awal / 1345 A.H.” or “Justice is the Basis for the Kingdom / Faisal I / 1345 A.H. [= 1927 C.E.]”. In 1959 the legend was altered to “Al-Rafidian / 1377 A.H. / Al-Sh’ab” or “The Two Rivers / 1377 A.H. [=1958 C.E.] / The People” After 1968, in the circular silver center, an Arabic inscription “Al-Jamhuriya al-Iraq / Hub al-Watan min al-Iman” or “The Republic of Iraq / Loving the Country is Faith”. Surrounding this, on a white-enameled circle, an Arabic inscription in gold, “Al-Sh‘arah / 1377 H” or “The Year / 1377 A.H. [=1958 C.E.]”.

Ribbon: Military class: Red moiré, with thin black stripes at each edge and in the center. Civil class: Red moiré with two black stripes in from each edge.

Outline: (Revolutionary/Republican only)

second badge, eagle on obverse, first obverse inscription, 1959-68:
-- Military:
---- first class – sash (worn over right shoulder), sash badge, and breast star (worn on left breast)
---- second class – neck badge
---- third class – silver-gilt breast badge with rosette
---- fourth class – silver breast badge
-- Civil:
---- first class – sash (worn over right) shoulder), sash badge, and breast star (worn on left breast)
---- second class – neck badge
---- third class – silver-gilt breast badge with rosette
---- fourth class – silver breast badge

third badge, eagle on obverse, second obverse inscription, 1968-2003:
-- Military:
---- collar
---- first class – sash (worn over right shoulder), sash badge, and breast star (worn on left breast)
---- second class – neck badge
---- third class – silver-gilt breast badge with rosette
---- fourth class – silver breast badge (shown below)
-- Civil:
---- collar
---- first class – sash (worn over right shoulder), sash badge, and breast star (worn on left breast)
---- second class – neck badge
---- third class – silver-gilt breast badge with rosette
---- fourth class – silver breast badge