Flag of Iran Symbolism Facts & Meaning: History & Trivia
I
Iran Flag History
Throughout Iran’s history, there was no concept of modern national flags. Instead, various dynasties and regions had their own unique emblems and banners. The Faravahar, a winged sun disc, remains a significant symbol in Iranian culture.
During the Safavid Dynasty (1501–1736), Iran saw changes in flag symbols, starting with a green flag featuring a golden full moon. Later, the lion and sun insignia that Ismail I established gained popularity. Despite a temporary shift to a sheep and sun design under Tahmasp I, the lion and sun emblem persisted.
The Afsharid and Zand Dynasties (1736–1796) witnessed little flag design change but adapted a triangular flag shape. In the Qajar Dynasty (1789–1925), the lion and sun emblem on a red field became the national flag, officially adopted in 1907.
The Pahlavi Dynasty, starting in 1925 with Reza Shah, introduced a significant flag redesign in 1933. It featured green, white, and red horizontal stripes and a new emblem with a lion holding a sword and a radiant sun.
In 1979, the Islamic Republic, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, brought significant flag changes, retaining the tricolor design but adding “Allāhu akbar” in Arabic script and replacing the emblem with a more complex coat of arms, reflecting ideological shifts and governance transformation.
II
Iran First vs Present-Day Flag
The first flag design in Iran was diverse, with distinct emblems for different dynasties and regions. Iran’s first acknowledged national flag was adopted during the reign of Ismail I (1501–1524) of the Safavid Dynasty. It became the first recognized national flag of Iran and contained the well-known lion and sun motif, or “Shir o Khorshid” in Persian.
Present-day Iran’s flag, adopted in 1980 after the Islamic Revolution, is a tricolor flag with green, white, and red horizontal stripes. It features “Allāhu akbar” in Arabic script and a complex coat of arms, symbolizing religious and ideological changes.
III
Designer of Iran Flag
The first flag of Iran, featuring diverse motifs representing different dynasties and regions, did not have a single creator. Instead, it evolved gradually over time. During the reign of Ismail I (1501–1524), the Safavid Dynasty is not well recorded in historical documents. The design was most likely created by the Safavid court and authorities of the time.
The designer of Iran’s present flag, which became official in 1980 following the Islamic Revolution, is neither widely available nor officially attributed.
IV
Symbolic Meaning of Iran Flag Design
The flag of Iran, adopted in 1980 after the Islamic Revolution, has several symbolic elements in its design, colors, and figures:
Design
The flag features three horizontal stripes—green, white, and red—from top to bottom. It also incorporates stylized Kufic script that reads “Allāhu akbar” (God is great) running along the green and red stripes. The most prominent feature in the center is a complex coat of arms.
Colors
- Green: The top green stripe is an image of Islam and Iranian mysticism. In Islamic symbolism, it is an important hue frequently linked to rebirth, development, and optimism.
- White: The white stripe in the middle represents peace and cleanliness. It communicates Iran’s desire for a peaceful, harmonious society.
- Red: The red stripe at the bottom stands for valor, bravery, and the sacrifices made by those who battled for the nation’s freedom and independence.
Figures
- Arabic (Kufic) Script: In Arabic or Kufic writing in the green and red stripes, the phrase “All-hu-akbar” is a potent religious proclamation that highlights the value of Islam to Iranian identity and philosophy. It appears on the Iranian flag 22 times.
- Coat of Arms: The old lion and sun insignia has been replaced with the intricate coat of arms in the middle. This design is a representation of the core values of the Islamic Revolution, combining religious devotion (the word “Allah”), global unity and influence (the globe), defense and strength (the sword), and divine guidance (the rays of light). It includes various elements, including a stylized depiction of the word “Allah” (God), a globe, a sword, and rays emanating from the word “Allah”.
V
Iran Flag Symbolic Importance
The tricolor pattern of the Iranian flag, which represents the nation’s Islamic identity, the spirit of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and the unity of its people, gives the flag enormous symbolic significance. The word “Allahu akbar” is written in Kufic script, underscoring the importance of religion in Iran. As a source of pride for Iranians and a recognizable symbol on a worldwide scale, it also preserves a connection to the nation’s historical emblems while representing their identity, culture, and values.
VI
Iran Flag Raising Ceremony
The raising of the Iranian flag is a ceremonial occasion that typically features the playing of the national anthem, “Sorood-e Melli-e Jomhouri-e Islami-e Iran”. This ceremony is frequently held on many national holidays and noteworthy occasions, such as April 1st, Independence Day, and the 11th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
The Iranian flag has historically been flown at half-mast in times of national tragedy or the loss of notable individuals as a sign of respect and sadness. For instance, it was lowered in remembrance of notable political personalities like Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and when Iran suffered a substantial loss of life during the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988). The Iranian government makes the decision to fly the flag at half-staff in response to particular occasions or people deserving of such honor.
VII
Iran Flag Rules and Etiquette
In Iran, respecting and preserving the national flag requires proper display. It must be handled carefully during ceremonies and parades, raised at dawn and lowered at dusk, and kept in good shape. During times of mourning, the flag may be displayed at half-staff, according to a decision by the government. During flag-raising and anthem-playing rituals, citizens are required to display respect. Moreover, purposeful destruction of the flag is a criminal infraction.
VIII
Traditional Iran Flag Display Customs
Traditional Iranian customs are connected to their flag. These include the following:
- Flag-raising activities in schools;
- Ceremonial honor guards;
- Flower arrangements on flagpoles for important occasions;
- Regional traditions; and
- February 4th which is National Flag Day.
The flag is occasionally passed down as a treasured family relic and is also seen as a representation of Iran’s historic battle for independence. These customs give flag displays all around the nation reflect cultural richness and historical relevance.
IX
Iran Flag Trivia
Due to long-standing political tensions and disputes, the Iranian flag is not permitted in several nations, most notably Israel and Saudi Arabia. This restriction reflects Iran’s fragile diplomatic ties and ideological disagreements with these countries, notably on subjects such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional competition in the Middle East.
X
Iran Flag in Legends and Mythology
The Iranian flag, which became established in 1980, is considerably, a protracted history, and is not grounded in ancient mythology, regardless of being inspired by stories just like the one of Kaveh the Blacksmith, who fought foreign oppression by means of using a leather apron on a spear. Instead, it represents the perseverance and cultural uniqueness of Iran.
