Famous Iraqi sculptor Mohammad Ghani Hikmat would have turned 87 Wednesday and Google surely hasn't missed doodling a remarkable reminder of his amazing work.
Hikmat was born in Baghdad's Kadumiya neighborhood and graduated from the Fine Arts Institute in Baghdad back in 1953, before moving to Rome to complete his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in 1957. He is a true cultural and artistic icon who not only spearheaded the recovery of art looted from the National Museum of Iraq after the 2003 invasion of Iraq, but also left beautifully crafted works of art throughout Iraq. From integrating a bunch of Middle Eastern tales into his works to depicting the everyday lives of Iraqis, his sculptures do not fail to live on.
Ghani is the man behind some of Baghdad's most famous landmarks including the Victory Arch...
This sculpture depicts a pair of hands holding crossed swords, marking the entrance to Great Celebrations square and the parade ground constructed to commemorate the Iran-Iraq war. The arches were opened to the public in 1989.
He's also the man behind the One "Thousand and One Nights" statues of Queen Scheherazade and King Shahryar
Many believe that his statue of Kahramana is somewhat related to the story of "Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves"
This is another beautiful statue, which became a landmark in Baghdad, of a woman pouring oil on thieves hiding in 40 jars.
Other sculptures and wood carvings depict everyday Iraqi life including the one in the doodle
This sculpture "Save Iraqi culture" depicts a broken cylinder seal stamped in ancient cuneiform.
Ghani died in Amman, Jordan in 2011.