Colors and the Meaning of the Iran Flag
The Iranian flag is made up of three equal-sized horizontal stripes, the upper stripe is green, the middle stripe is white and the lower stripe is red. There are stylized writings on the edges of the white ribbon.
In the center of the white stripe and in the center of the flag, there is a symbol of the dynasty, consisting of four crescents and a line representing a tulip. The colors of the flag have a long history in the region. Many interpret the green to symbolize Islam, but it also represents prosperity and nature. White represents purity and peace, and red symbolizes bravery and martyrdom.
Written 11 times on the upper and lower borders of the flag’s white ribbon is “Allahu Akbar” (God is the greatest) in Kufic script. This represents the day of the February 11, 1979 Iranian Revolution. Its coat of arms symbolizes the strength, fortitude, and greatness of the Muslim faith. The emblem as a whole resembles the word, “Allah.”
History of the Iran Flag
In peace and war, signs and symbols are noteworthy for the history of Iran. At the beginning of these symbols comes the Sun and the lion. The Iranian flag first appeared in three colors during the period of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar. The lion carries swords and sunrise symbols behind it. Each color was a separate property and symbol. Green has importance in Islam and represents prosperity, white represents peace, and red displays courage.
The national anthem of Iran first appeared in the period of Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar and was used until 1933. They then used the national anthem called Salām-e Shāh until 1979. This anthem was written by Bijan Taraghi and composed by the French musician Alfred Jean-Baptiste Lemaire.
The Iranian Revolution took place on February 11, 1979. The last Shah of the Pahlavi Dynasty Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s power came to an end with the revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini, who was exiled in France between 1978 and 1979. Ayatollah Khomeini decided to remove the symbols and signs used in the flag before the Islamic Revolution. The red, green, and white colors remain and the symbol is redesigned. In 1980 it was approved by Ayatollah Khomeini.
After Iranian Revolution
The new symbol on the white stripe in the middle of the flag consists of four crescents and a line in the shape of a tulip or sword. Together with the tulip, the four crescents form the word Allah. It includes “There is no God, but Allah”, half of Shahada. While the sword symbolized the state’s authority and sovereignty power, they paid particular attention to the fact that the symbol was tulip shaped. According to the ancient Iranian legend, the tulip has a special meaning. Because the tulip can only grow with the blood of martyrs. Therefore, it is a symbol of patriotism and sacrifice.
After the fall of the Shah in Iran, an anthem called “O Iran” begins to wander in the language of the people. This anthem was written by Hossein Gol-e-Golab in 1946 and was first composed by Ruhollah Khaleqi. Later this anthem spreads among the people and remains the national anthem of Iran. Some changes are made to the flag after some time from the Islamic Revolution. With Islamic calligraphy, 22 pieces of “Allahu Akbar (God) is the greatest” are written on both sides of the white color and are painted green and red. This number points to Iranian Revolution against Pahlavi Dynasty. Because according to the Iranian calendar, the Iranian Islamic Revolution took place on the 22nd day of the month of Bahman (21 January – 19 February).
In 1990, the new national anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran was accepted. The anthem is written with the participation of many writers and composed by Hassan Riyahi. Since 1980, the Iranian flag has been fluctuating in the Iranian skies with its Islamic symbols. Due to the respect for the mana and symbols it carries on the flag, it is prohibited to halve the flag in ceremonies and celebrations.
Neighboring Countries of Iran
Iran is located in Southwest Asia. Iran has 7 neighbors. Azerbaijan and Armenia in the Northwest, Northeast and Turkmenistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan to the east, the west, is neighboring with Turkey and Iraq. Iran forms its longest border with Iraq. It is surrounded by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in the south and the Caspian Sea in the north.
Main Characteristics of Iran
B.C. With its historical and existing settlements dating back to the 4000s, it has been geostrategically important because of its central location in Eurasia throughout the history of Iran, which is home to one of the oldest continuous civilizations in the world and is an important regional power in the Middle East.
Iran, the homeland of the Persian Civilization, one of the most ancient civilizations in history, had a great influence on the Arab, Turkish and Kurdish cultures in the region. Iran, which has a tremendous cultural richness, is rich in natural beauties in its mountainous geography.
The capital, Tehran, is the most populous and most active city in the country with a population of approximately 15 million people. In addition to the official language of Farsi; Arabic, Turkmen, Kurdish, and Azerbaijani are also spoken. They use Iranian rials as currency.
| Country | Iran |
| Code | IR (IRN) |
| Calling Code | 98 |
| Capital City | Tehran |
| Currency | iranian rial (IRR) |
| Emoji Symbol | 🇮🇷 |
| Highest Point | Damavand (5,610 m) |
| Internet TLD | .ir |
| Population(2017) | 81,162,788 |
| Total Area | 1,648,200 km2 |