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Flag of Iran facts for kids

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Flag of Iran
Current flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran, introduced in 1980.

The flag of Iran is a very important symbol for the country. It started being used on July 29, 1980. This flag shows the big changes that happened in Iran because of the Islamic Revolution.

The flag has a simple design with three horizontal stripes. The top stripe is green, the middle is white, and the bottom is red. Each color has a special meaning. Green stands for Islam, white represents peace, and red symbolizes courage.

What do the colors and symbols mean?

The colors on Iran's flag are not just pretty; they tell a story.

  • Green: This color is at the top. It stands for the religion of Islam, which is very important in Iran. It also represents growth and happiness.
  • White: The middle stripe is white. This color means peace and friendship. It shows Iran's wish for a calm and peaceful future.
  • Red: The bottom stripe is red. This color stands for bravery and courage. It reminds people of the strength and sacrifices made for the country.

The Emblem in the Middle

In the very center of the white stripe, there is a special red emblem. This emblem is a stylized version of the word "Allah" (God) in Arabic. It also looks like a tulip, which is a symbol of martyrdom in Iran. This means it honors those who have died for their country.

The Border Text

Along the edges of the green and red stripes, where they meet the white stripe, there is special writing. This writing is in a style called Kufic script. It repeats the phrase "Allahu Akbar," which means "God is the Greatest," 22 times. This number is important because the Islamic Revolution happened on the 22nd day of the 11th month in the Iranian calendar.

How did Iran's flag change over time?

Iran has a very long history, and its flag has changed many times. Before the current flag, there were different designs, often featuring a lion and sun symbol.

Early Persian Flags

Ancient Persian empires used various symbols. For example, the Achaemenid Empire (around 550–330 BCE) used a royal standard, which was a type of flag. Later, during the Sasanian Empire (224–651 CE), a famous flag called the Derafsh Kaviani was used. It was a large, jewel-encrusted banner.

The Lion and Sun Flag

For many centuries, a popular symbol on Iranian flags was the lion and sun. This symbol showed a lion holding a sword, with the sun rising behind it. It represented royalty, strength, and the ancient history of Iran. This design was used by different dynasties, including the Safavid dynasty and the Qajar dynasty.

The Flag of the Pahlavi Era

Before the Islamic Revolution, during the Pahlavi dynasty (1925–1979), the flag still had the green, white, and red stripes. However, the lion and sun emblem was in the middle. This flag was used for many years until the revolution brought about a new design.

The Flag and the Islamic Revolution

The Islamic Revolution in 1979 changed Iran in many ways, including its flag. The new flag, adopted in 1980, removed the lion and sun symbol. It replaced it with the current emblem and the "Allahu Akbar" text. This new design was meant to show the country's new identity as an Islamic Republic.

Images for kids

  • Emblem of Iran means

    The Tawhid is an emblem of Iran

  • Bronze flag, Shadad Kerman, Iran

    Shahdad Standard, c. 2400 BCE

  • Baydad

    Derafsh Kaviani appearing in a coin of a local Persian dynasty that arose near Persepolis during the Seleucid reign.

  • Safavids' Flag 1715 AD

    Flag of Iran carried by the Persian delegation during Mohammad Reza Beg’s visit to Versailles, August 1715

  • Drapeau et etendard persans 1797-1848

    Flag of Iran during Fath Ali Shah’s reign in the early 19th century, depicted by Drouville

  • Man with the lion and sun umbrella

    The political Iranian diaspora use the lion and sun emblem on Iranian flags.

  • Iran flag photo

    Iranian flag (as the Islamic Republic) in this photo.

  • Hassan Rouhani in Rasht, Gilan (1)

    Supporters of Hassan Rouhani with Islamic Republican flags plastered.

  • Iran Revolution 38th anniversary celebrations in Zanjan 01

    Child with the Islamic Republic flag during the 38th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution.

  • Irans ambassade Oslo

    Flag of the Islamic Republic flying at the Iranian Embassy in Oslo.

  • Iranian Flag Abshar Park2

    Islamic Republican flag flown at Abshar Park.

  • Iranian residence Prague Dejvice 6144

    Residential Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Prague with the national flag.

  • Iranian female football fan

    Football fan holding the Islamic Republic flag.

  • Iranian flags with sun and lion

    Two flags of the Imperial Lion and Sun flying.

  • 2500 year celebration (2)

    Soldiers in the parade with the series of Imperial flags during the 2,500 year celebration of the Persian Empire.

  • Hassan Dai - Diaoleslam - Persian political activist - Toronto 2015

    Political activist Hassan Dai addressing in Toronto with the Imperial flag.

  • Special military ceremony- University of Imam Hussein -Commander-in-chief of Iranian Armed Forces (26)

    Ayatollah Ali Khamenei inspecting troops with the Islamic Republic military colors during a special ceremony.

  • Mohammad Bagheri at Shahid Satari University 7

    Mohammad Bagheri speaking with the Islamic Republic and military flags at the background.

  • Zand "Ya Karim" Flag

    The "Ya Karim" flag, which was a pun on Karim Khan Zand's name, and Al-Karim (the generous), which was one of the Islamic names of God

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