Iran Flag and Meaning
Flag of Iran
Iran Flag Meaning
The flag of Iran is one of the most significant national symbols of the country, reflecting its history, culture, and the Islamic Republic’s identity. The current design of the Iranian flag was adopted officially on July 29, 1980, after the establishment of the Islamic Republic following the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The flag features a horizontal tricolor of green, white, and red, with a unique emblem in the center, which was added after the revolution. The emblem is a stylized representation of the word Allah (God) and symbolizes the Islamic nature of the state.
This flag is a powerful symbol of Iran’s national pride, political system, and cultural identity. The tricolor design is derived from the previous flags used in the country, while the central emblem and the inscription in the Kufic script further reinforce Iran’s connection to Islam, particularly the Shi’a branch, which plays a dominant role in the country’s religious life.
Flag Dimensions and Proportions
The flag of Iran follows a 1:2 ratio, meaning that its length is twice its height. The flag is divided into three horizontal bands of equal size, with green on the top, white in the middle, and red on the bottom. The central emblem, which is the defining feature of the flag, is positioned in the white band and is placed symmetrically along the vertical center of the flag.
The proportions of the elements within the flag, such as the emblem and the inscriptions along the borders, are specified precisely. The emblem in the middle is a complex design that combines several traditional and Islamic elements, including the Shahada (Islamic declaration of faith). The inscription of the Takbirs (the Islamic phrase “Allahu Akbar” or “God is the Greatest”) is found along the edges of the flag, symbolizing the role of Islam in Iranian society.
Colors of the Flag
The colors of the Iranian flag—green, white, and red—are rich with symbolic meaning, representing Iran’s deep cultural history, national values, and ideological principles.
Green
The color green holds great significance in Iran, as it is often associated with Islam and the Shia branch of the faith, which is the dominant religion in the country. Green is also a color traditionally linked to fertility, growth, and prosperity. In the context of the Iranian flag, green signifies Iran’s Islamic identity, as well as its connection to peace and hope for a better future.
Green is also historically associated with the Persian kings, where it often symbolized royalty and military strength. During the Safavid dynasty (1501–1736), the color green was often linked to the religious leadership of Shia Islam, further reinforcing its importance as a symbol of Iran’s religious and national heritage.
White
The white stripe in the center of the Iranian flag represents peace and honor. This color signifies a nation’s pursuit of peace with its neighbors and the world. It reflects Iran’s commitment to maintaining peace in the region while emphasizing the cultural and moral values of the nation.
White is also a color historically associated with purity and truth, representing the transparent nature of the Iranian government and its dedication to the welfare of the Iranian people. The central white band provides a contrast to the green and red stripes, symbolizing neutrality and calm in the midst of the country’s vibrant cultural and political landscape.
Red
The color red in the flag of Iran symbolizes bravery, valor, and sacrifice. It represents the blood of those who have fought for the country’s independence and sovereignty throughout history. The color is also linked to revolutionary ideals, particularly the events of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic.
Red is a historically significant color in Iran’s symbolism, as it reflects the country’s willingness to defend itself and fight for its rights. In addition to its association with sacrifice and courage, red also stands for strength and determination, essential qualities for a country that has faced numerous challenges, both internal and external.
Symbols on the Flag
The flag of Iran incorporates a number of symbolic elements that make it distinct and reflect the country’s political and religious ideology. These symbols are not only visual elements but also represent the ideals of the Iranian state, including its Islamic values and revolutionary spirit.
The Emblem of Iran
At the heart of the Iranian flag is the national emblem of Iran, which was adopted in 1979 after the Islamic Revolution. The emblem is a stylized representation of the word Allah (God), which reflects Iran’s Islamic identity. The emblem is highly intricate and contains several elements, each with specific meanings.
- The central shape of the emblem is a stylized tulip. This flower is a traditional symbol of martyrdom in Iranian culture, particularly since the Iran-Iraq war (1980–1988), where it came to symbolize the thousands of Iranians who sacrificed their lives for the country.
- The curved lines at the top of the emblem represent the letter “ʿAyn” from the Arabic script, which forms part of the name Allah. This symbolizes the divine authority of the Islamic Republic.
- The emblem as a whole symbolizes the unity of the Iranian people, the strength of the Islamic Revolution, and the authority of the Supreme Leader within the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Inscription of Takbir (الله أكبر)
Another important element of the flag is the inscription of the Takbir (the phrase “Allah Akbar” or “God is the Greatest”), written in Kufic script. The phrase is repeated in white script along the edges of the green and red bands of the flag. The inclusion of this inscription emphasizes the Islamic character of the Iranian government and its commitment to the principles of Islam.
The phrase “Allah Akbar” is not just a religious expression but also a rallying cry that played a central role during the Iranian Revolution. It was used as a call for unity and resistance against the Pahlavi regime, the monarchy that was overthrown in 1979. The Takbir signifies the strength and unity of the Iranian people under the banner of Islam, aligning the state with the divine will of God.
Cultural and National Identity
The flag of Iran is deeply intertwined with the country’s cultural and national identity. It represents Iran’s long history, its revolutionary past, and the role of Islam in shaping the political and social fabric of the nation. The flag symbolizes not only the struggles of the Iranian people but also the nation’s aspirations and commitments.
The Iranian Revolution and the Establishment of the Islamic Republic
The current flag of Iran was adopted following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which saw the overthrow of the monarchy of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the establishment of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The revolution was largely driven by anti-monarchical sentiment, religious fervor, and a desire for greater political independence. The flag that emerged from the revolution reflected the new political and ideological order that sought to merge Islamic values with republican principles.
The emblem at the center of the flag, with its symbolism of Islamic authority and revolutionary martyrdom, reflects the core principles of the new Islamic Republic. The incorporation of Islamic imagery, including the Allah symbol and the Takbir inscription, signifies Iran’s commitment to Shia Islam, which is central to the country’s religious and cultural identity.
Shia Islam and the Iranian State
Shia Islam plays a dominant role in shaping Iran’s national identity. As the only country in the world with a Shia Muslim majority, Iran has a strong religious identity that influences not only its political decisions but also its culture and daily life. The flag’s use of Islamic symbols, particularly the emblem of Allah and the Takbir, reflects the religious values that are fundamental to the Iranian state.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is founded on the principles of velayat-e faqih, or the guardianship of the Islamic jurist. This principle asserts that a religious scholar, specifically the Supreme Leader, should hold ultimate political authority. The flag embodies this political and religious structure, making it a unique representation of the fusion of Islamic theocracy and republicanism.
National Pride and Unity
The flag of Iran also symbolizes national unity and sovereignty. Despite the country’s complex political and religious history, including foreign interventions, the flag represents the collective strength and identity of the Iranian people. It is a reminder of their resilience in the face of adversity, whether during the period of colonial influence, the Iran-Iraq war, or the challenges of the post-revolutionary era.
The tricolor design—green, white, and red—represents the hope for a unified, peaceful future, while the emblem symbolizes the sacrifice made by those who have fought for the nation’s independence and freedom. The repetition of the Takbir along the edges signifies the moral and religious foundation upon which Iran’s national identity rests.
Cultural Heritage and History
Iran’s flag also reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, which dates back to ancient Persia. The color green, for instance, is not just a symbol of Islamic identity but also has deep roots in pre-Islamic Persian culture. Throughout Iran’s long history, the color green has been associated with royal symbolism, agriculture, and the region’s natural beauty. Likewise, the use of red and white in the flag echoes historical Persian banners, which often featured these colors.
Iran Overview
| Population | 70.3 million |
| currency | Iranian Rials |
| Area | 1,648,000 km² |
| Capital city | Tehran |
| Population density | 42.6 residents/km² |
| HDI location | 70 |
The country’s central part consists of a steppe-clad plateau. The climate is dry and harsh. The plateau is surrounded by the Zagros mountains residents the west, Alborz residents the north and desert. Cereals and fruits are grown residents the oases surrounded by underground springs. The coastal area to the north towards the Caspian Sea is more humid. The climate is tropical and subtropical. Here cotton, sugar cane and rice are grown. The modern petrochemical, textile and building industries developed especially during Shah Reza Pahlavi’s reign, but the craftsmanship of carpets and textiles remains an important activity. The most serious environmental problems are the felling of the forests, the marine pollution caused by the Gulf War and the air pollution, which mainly stems from the pollution of the cars residents the cities, the oil refineries and the industries.
The people: Persians (51%), Azeris (24%), Kurds (9%), Gilakis and Mazandaranis (8%), Arabs (3%), Baluchs (2.3%), Bakhtians (1.7%), Lurians (1.6%), Turkmen (1.5%), Armenians (0.5%)
Religion: Islam, the Shiite branch (93.4%), Sunni Muslims (5.7%), Baha’i (0.6%), Christians (0.1%), Zoroastrians (0.1%), Jews ( 0.1%).
Languages: Persian (official) and minority languages.
Political parties: The reform coalition whose main party is the Front for Islamic Participation. (Reform forces have about 14% of seats residents parliament).
Conservative Islamic parties: Imam’s supporters, Iran’s Islamic Solidarity Party, the Association of militant clergy and others. (The Conservatives have about 54% of parliamentary seats).
Parties outside Parliament: National Resistance Council, Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP), Iran’s Communist Party (Tudeh), Mujahedeen, Fedayeen (and minority and majority, respectively) and others.
Official Name: Dshumhurije Islâmije Iran
Administrative subdivision: 28 provinces, 472 municipalities and 499 city councils
Capital: Tehran, 13,413,000 residents (2005)
Other important cities: Mashhad, 2,020,400 residents; Esfahan, 2,535,000 residents; Tabriz, 1,207,600 residents (2000).
Government: Republic with Presidential Reign. Hassan Rouhani has been president since August 2013, re-elected residents 2017. Since June 1989, Ali Sayed Khamenei has been the country’s religious head. One chamber parliament system. The Islamic Advisory Assembly has 290 members elected by secret ballot for a four-year term. Women also have the right to vote and are represented residents parliament.
National Day: February 11 (Revolution Day, 1979)
Armed Forces: 513,000 (1995)
Paramilitary Forces: The Popular Mobilization Army ( Basij). During military offensive, this force has reached 1 million men. The Border Guard (45,000 men).
