BAGHDAD’S STRANGE ARCHITECTURE—GETTING INSIDE THE MIND OF INSANITY—CONTINUED

As our car passed through the wealthy section of Baghdad, I questioned what kind of mind would have created houses that really seemed like they belonged on another planet. They appeared to be more suited to Beverly Hills, California—or a movie set.

I had the feeling that these are houses that were created when endless funds were available to people who had no idea about the basic principles of architecture, or even of good taste.

There were multiple angles and curves, used within the same structures that simply didn’t fit together.

I photographed two houses beside each other to illustrate my point. I don’t think that I’m exaggerating when I use this as just another example of Saddam’s madness. I don't think it's only a hunch that he most likely had final approval for the architectural styles—especially because these houses were in the neighborhood where most of his top government officials lived.

ONE HOUSE, STRANGER THAN THE OTHER