Present Iranian National Flag


The current and official flag of Iran was designed and
adopted on July 29, 1980, after the Iranian Revolution
of 1979. Its emblem is shaped to represent the name
of Allah. The symbol consists of four crescents and a
sword. The four crescents are meant to stand for the
word "Allah." The five parts of the emblem symbolize the
five pillars of Islam. Above the sword (central part) is a "tashdid" (looks a bit like a W). In Arabic writing this is used to double a letter, here it doubles the strength of the sword.

The shape of the emblem is chosen to represent a
tulip, for the memory of the (young) people who died
for Iran. It is an ancient belief in Iran, dating back to mythology, that if a young soldier dies patriotically, a 
red tulip will grow on his grave. In recent years it is considered as the symbol of martyrdom.

The words of "Allah-O-Akbar" (God is Great) are also
shown on the center-border of green and red color 22
times. According to the constitution of the Islamic
Republic of Iran, number 22 was chosen because the
Iranian Revolution overthrew the previous regime on
the 22nd of the 11th month of the Iranian calendar.
The Iranian calendar is based on Zodiac signs. The 
year begins in March 21st and the 11th month coincides
exactly with Aquarius. So we have 11 green copies on
the top and 11 red copies on the bottom of the white
strip.

The green represents Islam, the white for peace, and
the red for courage.

For many Iranians, this is not the official Iranian flag and they still adhere to the pre-revolutionary flag that pre-dates centuries ago.

Former Iranian National Flag


The Shir-o-Khorshid (Lion and Sun) Iranian flag is the
best-known symbol of Iran in recent centuries. The
lion and sun motif, which is probably a graphic
expression of the astrological configuration of the
sun in the sign of Leo, although both celestial and
animal figures independently have a long history in
Iranian heraldry. The lion and sun emblem is very
ancient, and Ferdowsi the  epic poet writes that it was
used by Rostam, the legendary national hero. Late in
the nineteenth century an earlier scimitar motif was
combined with the lion and sun and superimposed on a
tricolor of green, white and red, and, with minor
modifications, this remained the official flag until
the revolution of 1979.

It is difficult to get precise historical data regarding the Lion and Sun flag because it dates back centuries. Often is the case that when comparing different available information pertaining to the Lion and Sun flag, you find many inconsistencies.

Although many Iranians see this flag as their historic flag. It too is surrounded with controversy as it has come to be associated with different political figures and groups who raise this same flag. In other words, the Iranian flag is a hotly contested issue. Unfortunately, it has become increasingly difficult for an Iranian who simply wants to wave a flag to show their connection to the land of Iran without being accused of adhering to controversial politics.

More on Iranian Flags:
 Flags of Iran