Iran Flag: Meaning, Colors, and Full History (Ancient to Current)
This page covers the full history of the Iran flag, compares the old Iran flag to today's design, and shows a complete Iran flag timeline from ancient Persia flags to present day flags.
The current Iran flag is a green-white-red tricolor adopted after the 1979 revolution. The colors of the Iranian flag represent courage, peace, and growth; the red national emblem sits at the center. Along the green and red bands, "Allahu Akbar" appears 22 times in stylized Kufic script. See the full history of the flag of Iran and older flag versions below.
Current Flag of Iran - Quick Facts
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Years: 1979- Present
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Colors: Green, White, and Red
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Emblem: Stylized "Allah" in Red
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Inscription: "Allahu Akbar" repeated 22 times
The old flag of Iran, also known as the Lion and Sun flag, was the national symbol of Iran before the 1979 revolution. Featuring a lion brandishing a sword beneath a rising sun, it represented strength, power, monarchy, and Persian heritage. Look below to learn how the Iran flag before the revolution evolved across Qajar and Pahlavi eras and how it differs from earlier and current designs.
Lion and Sun Flag - Quick Facts
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Years: Standardized under Pahlavi era (1925-1979); roots in Qajar period(1789-1925)
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Replaced: After the 1979 Revolution
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Colors: Green, White, and Red
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Emblem: Lion & Sun
Complete Iran Flag Timeline
This complete timeline traces the evolution of the Iran flag and imperial Persian flags from ancient Persian empires to today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the colors on the current Iranian flag represent?
Green represents Islam, nature, fertility, and vitality; white stands for peace, freedom, and monotheism; red signifies courage, sacrifice, and the blood of martyrs.
What is the Lion and Sun emblem?
The Lion and Sun was Iran's national emblem before 1979, featuring a lion holding a sword beneath a rising sun, symbolizing power, kingship, Persian heritage, and Shia traditions.
Why did the Iranian flag change in 1979?
After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the new government replaced the Lion and Sun with a stylized red "Allah" emblem to break from monarchy symbols and reflect the Islamic Republic's ideology.
What was the Iran flag before 1979?
The old Iran flag was a green-white-red tricolor featuring the Lion and Sun emblem, used prominently under the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties until the 1979 Revolution.
When was the green-white-red tricolor first used in Iran?
The green-white-red tricolor design has roots in the Qajar period (1789–1925) and was standardized under the Pahlavi era (1925–1979) with the Lion and Sun emblem.
Do some Iranians still use the Lion and Sun flag?
Yes, the Lion and Sun endures as a cultural emblem for many Iranians worldwide, especially within the diaspora, who regard it as a meaningful symbol of Iran's deeper cultural identity.
What ancient Persian empires had flags?
Ancient Persian flags date back to the Median Empire (678–550 BCE) and Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE), with later dynasties like the Sassanians, Safavids, and others each using distinct banners.