The Old Iran Flag: Unraveling Centuries Of History & Symbolism
The Ancient Roots of Iranian Flags
To truly appreciate the "Iran flag old," we must cast our gaze back to the dawn of Iranian civilization. Being one of the oldest civilizations in the world, Iran has a long and rich history, and with it, a profound tradition of using imagery and symbolism to preserve its story. Many of the key symbols of Iran are represented in artwork and flags of past ruling empires, serving as powerful visual narratives of national identity.The Derafsh Kaviani: A Legendary Standard
Perhaps the earliest flag of Iran that can be considered national to some extent is the Sasanian one, known as the Derafsh Kaviani. This legendary banner, often translated as "the standard of Kaveh," is steeped in Persian mythology, particularly from Ferdowsi's epic poem, the Shahnameh (Epic of Kings). It is described as a jeweled standard, originally the apron of a blacksmith named Kaveh, who led a rebellion against a tyrannical king. The Derafsh Kaviani became a symbol of Persian independence and resistance, carried into battle by Sasanian kings. While its exact design is lost to time, its significance as a unifying national symbol from antiquity is undeniable, laying a foundational precedent for future Iranian flags.Echoes from Antiquity: The Kerman Metal Flag
Further evidence of ancient Iranian vexillology comes from a remarkable archaeological discovery. Not only is this one of the oldest known flags, it is also the oldest known metal flag in human history. It was discovered in the Kerman province, one of the most ancient provinces in Iran, and consists of a single square metal piece 23.4” by 23.4” mounted on a 128cm metal axle which the flag can turn over it. This artifact provides tangible proof of the sophisticated symbolic practices of early Iranian societies, demonstrating their use of durable materials for significant national or tribal emblems. While distinct from the later "Iran flag old" as commonly understood, it highlights a deep-seated cultural practice of visual representation that predates written history.The Enduring Symbol: Lion and Sun Emblem
Central to the understanding of the "Iran flag old" is the ubiquitous and deeply symbolic Lion and Sun emblem. This powerful motif has graced Iranian banners for centuries, embodying a complex interplay of Persian heritage, monarchy, and national identity. Iran’s lion and sun emblem was displayed on a flag as early as the 15th century, indicating its long-standing presence as a national symbol. The history of this emblem dates back even further, to the twelfth century. The epic of the Kings, written in the 1100s about the centuries before the conquest of Islam, refers to the Iranian army or king as marching under a banner with the lion and the sunrise. This historical reference firmly establishes the ancient roots of the Lion and Sun, predating many of the dynasties that later adopted it. The sword was added to the emblem in the 1800s, further enhancing its martial and protective symbolism. The lion typically represents power, royalty, and the sun, often depicted rising, symbolizes sovereignty, light, and the ancient Zoroastrian concept of divine glory (farr).Beyond the Pahlavi Era: A National Heritage
There is a common misconception that the lion and sun flag is exclusively the symbol of the Pahlavi dynasty. While it is true that the flag was used extensively during the Pahlavi dynasty, it is an ancient, national symbol the history of which dates back to the twelfth century. It is, indeed, Iran’s symbol, representing a continuous thread of Persian identity that transcends any single ruling house. This distinction is crucial for understanding the emotional attachment many Iranians, both inside and outside the country, still hold for this emblem. It connects them not just to a specific political period, but to a vast and rich ancestral heritage.The Constitutional Revolution and Flag Formalization (1906)
The turn of the 20th century marked a pivotal moment in Iranian history with the Constitutional Revolution. This period brought about significant political and social changes, including the formalization of the national flag. After the granting of the constitution of 1906, a tricolour typical of the national flags of many other countries was officially recognized for Iran. This design incorporated the colours green and red, which were added as a border to a white flag bearing the iconic Lion and Sun symbols in the late 19th century. The tricolour design – green, white, and red – with the Lion and Sun at its center, became the definitive "Iran flag old" for much of the 20th century. The green was often interpreted as representing growth, prosperity, and Islam; the white, peace and purity; and the red, courage and martyrdom. This flag symbolized Persian heritage, monarchy, and national identity, serving as the official banner until the momentous 1979 Iranian Revolution. Its adoption marked a modernization of the national emblem, aligning Iran with the standard vexillological practices of nation-states while retaining its unique historical symbols.The Pahlavi Era: "Pahlavi Iran" and its Flag (1925-1979)
The period from 1925 to 1979 is often referred to as "Pahlavi Iran," after the dynasty established by Reza Shah Pahlavi. During these years, the tricolour flag with the Lion and Sun emblem served as the official national flag. From 1925 until the year 1935 the official name was the Imperial State of Persia, and from 1935 to 1979 the official name was the Imperial State of Iran. Throughout this era, the "Iran flag old" became synonymous with the Pahlavi monarchy, representing the nation's modernization efforts, its ties to ancient Persian glory, and its monarchical system. The flag was prominently displayed on all government buildings, military installations, and during national celebrations, solidifying its image as the emblem of the Pahlavi state. Despite its deep historical roots preceding the Pahlavi dynasty, its extensive use during this period led to its strong association with the monarchy, particularly in the eyes of those who opposed the Shah's rule. This association would later play a significant role in the flag's fate following the revolution.The 1979 Iranian Revolution: A Symbolic Shift
The year 1979 marked a watershed moment in Iranian history with the culmination of the Iranian Revolution. This momentous event celebrated the 1979 overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, finalized on February 11 (22 Bahman 1357) in the Persian calendar. The revolution fundamentally transformed Iran's political landscape, transitioning from a monarchy to an Islamic Republic. Naturally, such a profound societal and political upheaval necessitated a change in national symbols, including the flag. The "Iran flag old," with its prominent Lion and Sun emblem, had become too closely identified with the deposed monarchy and the previous regime. For the revolutionaries, it represented an era they sought to dismantle and replace with a new order based on Islamic principles. The desire for a new flag was not merely aesthetic; it was a powerful statement of a complete break from the past and the establishment of a new national identity. The old flag, which had symbolized Persian heritage, monarchy, and national identity for decades, was retired, paving the way for a new emblem to represent the revolutionary ideals.The Birth of the Islamic Republic's Flag (1980)
Following the success of the revolution, the process of designing and adopting a new national flag began. The Iranian national flag was formally adopted on July 29, 1980. This new flag was a direct reflection of the changes brought about by the Iranian revolution of 1979, embodying the new ideological foundations of the Islamic Republic.Designing a New National Identity
The new flag and seal of Iran was mentioned in the 1980 constitution of the country, underscoring its legal and symbolic importance. Accordingly, the parliament replaced the old flag and seal with the new ones. The flag was designed by Hamid Nadimi, and the leader of the Iranian Revolution, Grand Ayatollah Khomeini, approved it. This new flag retained the tricolour of green, white, and red, but replaced the Lion and Sun emblem with a stylized red emblem of the word "Allah" (God) in the center, designed to resemble a tulip, symbolizing martyrdom. Additionally, the phrase "Allahu Akbar" (God is the Greatest) is written in Kufic script 11 times on the green band and 11 times on the red band, symbolizing the date of the revolution (22 Bahman, the 11th day of the 2nd month). This design clearly articulated the new Islamic identity of the nation, moving away from monarchical and ancient Persian symbols towards a revolutionary and religious iconography.The Old Iran Flag: A Symbol of Enduring Debate
Even decades after its official replacement, the "Iran flag old" remains a potent symbol, often at the center of controversy. This was vividly illustrated when Iran’s flag was at the center of controversy at the World Cup, where some Iranian fans displayed the old flag, while others carried the new one. This public display highlighted the deep divisions and differing political viewpoints among Iranians, both within the country and in the diaspora. For many, the old flag, with its Lion and Sun, represents a pre-revolutionary Iran, a connection to a secular past, and a symbol of opposition to the current government. It is a visual manifestation of nostalgia for a bygone era, or a statement of dissent. For others, particularly those aligned with the current government, the old flag is a symbol of the oppressive Pahlavi regime and an outdated monarchy. This dynamic illustrates how national symbols, especially flags, are not merely pieces of cloth but powerful repositories of collective memory, political ideology, and emotional attachment. The flag of Iran, with its distinctive symbols and colors, is a powerful emblem that encapsulates the rich history and cultural heritage of this ancient land.Preserving History Through Imagery: The Broader Context
Through the annals of time, the Iranian flag has witnessed transformations, embodying the dynamic narrative of a nation. Imagery and symbolism is held on to by Iranians to preserve our story. The various flags of Iran, whether ancient standards, the constitutional tricolour, or the current Islamic Republic flag, all serve as vital links to the nation's complex and layered past. Although often a point of contention, the many flags of Iran connect Iranians to their ancestry. They are not just historical artifacts but living symbols that continue to evoke strong emotions and represent diverse interpretations of what it means to be Iranian. Discover how the designs, colors, and symbols changed, and in doing so, discover the enduring spirit of a civilization that has navigated countless transformations while holding onto its unique identity. The journey of the "Iran flag old" from ancient empires to the modern Islamic Republic is a testament to the enduring power of national symbols. It reflects a nation's continuous struggle for self-definition, its resilience in the face of change, and the profound importance of visual identity in shaping collective memory and aspiration. *** **Conclusion** The journey through the history of the "Iran flag old" reveals a captivating narrative of continuity and change, deeply intertwined with the very fabric of Iranian civilization. From the legendary Derafsh Kaviani and the ancient Kerman metal flag, through the enduring symbolism of the Lion and Sun, to the formal adoption of the tricolour in 1906 under the Pahlavi dynasty, each iteration of the flag tells a story of a nation in flux. The 1979 revolution marked a decisive break, leading to the adoption of the current flag of the Islamic Republic, yet the legacy of the old flag continues to resonate, symbolizing different ideals for different segments of society. Ultimately, the flags of Iran, both old and new, are more than just pieces of cloth; they are powerful emblems that encapsulate the rich history, cultural heritage, and political aspirations of this ancient land. They remind us that national identity is a complex, evolving concept, often contested, but always deeply felt. What are your thoughts on the symbolism of the "Iran flag old" and its place in history? Share your perspectives in the comments below, or explore other articles on our site to delve deeper into the fascinating history and culture of Iran!
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