Iraq - Kingdom Order of the Two Rivers (El Rafidain) Civil Division Knight Badge Medal:
General Information:
Official Name: وسام الرافدين الامتيازدرجة فارس (Wisam al-Imtiaz-i-Rafidain / Order of the Two Rivers)
Country: Kingdom of Iraq
Division: Civil
Class: Knight (Faris)
Instituted: 1922
Awarded For: Merit and exceptional service to Iraq
Design & Measurements:
Material: Silver gilt with red, white, blue, and green enamels
Dimensions:
Total height including suspension: 64.29 mm
Width: 46.23 mm
Front Design (Obverse):
Shape: Seven-pointed star with ball finials
Central medallion: Features a blue enamel disc with the Iraqi royal crown in gilt
White enamel ring inscribed in Arabic: "المملكة العراقية" (The Kingdom of Iraq) at the top and "حب الوطن من الإيمان" (Love of the Homeland is Faith) at the bottom.
Surrounding framework: Intricate green and white floral enamel overlaid on the red enamel star points.
Reverse Design:
Central medallion: White enamel disc with an Arabic calligraphic inscription in gold.
Red enamel arms with serrated edges.
Condition Notes:
Enamels on the obverse have a yellowish shade—likely due to age and oxidation.
Traces of gilt remain on the reverse.
Near extremely fine condition—some wear is visible, but the integrity of the badge is intact.
Historical Background:
The Order of the Two Rivers (Wisam Al Rafidain) was one of the most prestigious orders in Iraq, named after the two great rivers of Mesopotamia, the Tigris and the Euphrates. It was originally established by King Faisal I in 1922 and was awarded in two divisions (Military and Civil).
The order continued to be awarded after the fall of the monarchy in 1958, with modifications to its design and inscriptions under the Republic of Iraq.
This Knight (Faris) class badge represents one of the lower ranks of the order but still signifies notable merit and contribution to the Iraqi state.