Saddam Hussein the "martyr" – inside tyrant's tomb
Graffiti on a wall near the hall where Saddam Hussein is buried describes him as the “martyr of the Arab nation”, another line simply says: “Long live Saddam”.
Inside the tomb, which is treated more like a shrine, the sense of adoration grows stronger. Photographs of the executed president with a smile on his face adorn the walls, along with gifts and a number of poems inspired by his death.
The former dictator’s body rests in the centre of the room. His grave, framed by plastic flowers, is covered in a white sheet embroidered with gold. The old flag of Iraq lies at its head, a final act of defiance to the new Iraqi Government.
Almost two years after he was hanged for crimes against humanity, Saddam and his mustachioed image live on in the hearts of his followers who flock in increasing numbers to the burial site in al-Awja, a village near Tikrit, north of Baghdad, where the dictator spent much of his childhood, to pay their respects.
Plans are underway to turn the hall, originally built to hold celebrations, into a museum to commemorate the former leader’s life, according to Falah Hassan al-Neda, son of the head of Saddam’s tribe.
“This is to make sure he is never forgotten,” Mr al-Neda, 35, told The Times on a visit to the site. The Albu Nassir tribe is in charge of maintaining the tomb and defending Saddam’s memory.
Read entire article at Times (UK)
Inside the tomb, which is treated more like a shrine, the sense of adoration grows stronger. Photographs of the executed president with a smile on his face adorn the walls, along with gifts and a number of poems inspired by his death.
The former dictator’s body rests in the centre of the room. His grave, framed by plastic flowers, is covered in a white sheet embroidered with gold. The old flag of Iraq lies at its head, a final act of defiance to the new Iraqi Government.
Almost two years after he was hanged for crimes against humanity, Saddam and his mustachioed image live on in the hearts of his followers who flock in increasing numbers to the burial site in al-Awja, a village near Tikrit, north of Baghdad, where the dictator spent much of his childhood, to pay their respects.
Plans are underway to turn the hall, originally built to hold celebrations, into a museum to commemorate the former leader’s life, according to Falah Hassan al-Neda, son of the head of Saddam’s tribe.
“This is to make sure he is never forgotten,” Mr al-Neda, 35, told The Times on a visit to the site. The Albu Nassir tribe is in charge of maintaining the tomb and defending Saddam’s memory.