Flag of Iran

The national flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran is a powerful symbol of identity.

It consists of three equal horizontal bands of green, white, and red. These are known as the pan-Iranian colors. In the center of the white band, there is a red Islamic emblem. This emblem features four crescents and a sword. A shaddah, which is a specific mark in Arabic script, sits on top. This mark represents the word Allah. Along the edges of the green and red bands, the Takbir is written in white Kufic script. The Takbir appears 11 times on each band, totaling 22 times. This number is a reference to the date 22 Bahman.

Creating the flag requires precise mathematical construction.

The physical requirements are detailed in the national Iranian standard known as ISIRI 1. This standard provides a guide for construction. It specifies how to use a compass and a straightedge to draw the emblem. It also dictates the exact way to render the Takbir script. Following these technical rules ensures that every official flag is identical. This precision helps maintain the flag's symbolic integrity across the nation.

Symbols of authority in Iran date back to the Bronze Age.

One of the earliest finds is the Shahdad Standard from the Kerman province. This bronze object dates back to approximately 2400 BC. It depicts a seated man and a kneeling woman facing a star. During the Achaemenid Empire, leaders used different types of banners called drafša. Xenophon recorded that Artaxerxes II used a golden eagle on a long spear. The "royal falcon" or varəγna represented glory. Other banners included square plaques or rectangular designs. These ancient standards showed how early Persian rulers displayed their power.

Different dynasties introduced unique heraldic designs over many centuries.

The Seljuk Empire likely used a black flag, similar to the Abbasid Caliphate. They sometimes used yellow flags to show control over specific towns. The Ghaznavid dynasty promoted Iranian culture by using motifs like the Griffin. Later, the Safavid Empire helped make the lion and sun a widely recognized emblem. They used this motif on coins, banners, and artwork. This choice may have been a response to the Ottoman Empire using the crescent moon. By using the lion and sun, the Safavids established a distinct national identity.

During the Afsharid era, Nader Shah used very large imperial standards.

These standards were made so heavy that they required 12 men to move them. He used colorful silk, such as red and yellow stripes. He also avoided the color green because of its association with the Safavids. The Zand era featured a white triangular pennant with a green border. This design included a gold lion and sun in the center. These variations show how much the visual language of leadership changed with each new ruler.

The Qajar era saw a high level of detail in military flags.

In 1813, Fath-Ali Shah Qajar personally presented standards to his infantry. These large red flags featured the lion and sun motif. They were often topped with a silver Hand of Ali. The cavalry used smaller, deep blue standards. These featured a crouching lion with a curved sword before a setting sun. These flags were often decorated with golden fringes and white streamers. Such detailed designs helped identify different military units on the battlefield.

Modern Iranian flags reflect major political shifts in the country's history.

The first official national flag was adopted on 14 August 1905. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the flag was changed on 29 July 1980. Today, the current tricolour is the only officially recognized version. However, many opposition groups use different versions. Some use the older Lion and Sun flag. Others use the green, white, and red tricolour without any central emblems. The government strictly bans the use of the Lion and Sun flag in public. These different flags continue to represent different visions for the nation's future.