Iran's Lost Symbol: The Flag Before 1979 Revolution

The flag of a nation is far more than just a piece of cloth; it is a profound symbol, a visual narrative of its history, values, and aspirations. For centuries, the Iranian flag has undergone a fascinating evolution, each iteration reflecting the shifting tides of empires, dynasties, and ideologies. However, few changes have been as dramatic and symbolically charged as the transformation of the Iran flag before 1979, a powerful emblem that embodied millennia of Persian heritage before its iconic imagery was replaced.

To truly understand the significance of the pre-revolutionary flag, one must delve into the rich tapestry of Iranian history, exploring the ancient myths, religious symbols, and political transformations that shaped its design. This article aims to explore a detailed Iran flag description, from ancient Persia to modern national symbols, uncovering the evolution of the old Iran flag, its meanings, colors, and historical background, providing a comprehensive look at a national emblem that continues to resonate with many, particularly Iranian exiles worldwide.

Table of Contents

• The Enduring Legacy of the Iran Flag Before 1979
• A Glimpse into Ancient Persian Vexillology
  • The World's First Flag?
• The Rise of the Lion and Sun: A Symbol Rooted in Mithraism
  • From Ancient Roots to National Emblem
• The Qajar Era: A Sword in the Lion's Hand
• The Constitutional Revolution and the Modern Tricolor
  • Defining the Colors and Symbols (1906-1907)
• The Pahlavi Dynasty: Imperial Grandeur and the Lion-and-Sun
  • The Lion, the Sword, and Persian Strength
• The 1979 Revolution: A Symbolic Overthrow
• The Aftermath: A New Era, A New Flag

The Enduring Legacy of the Iran Flag Before 1979

The national flag of Iran, prior to the seismic events of 1979, was a powerful emblem that had evolved over centuries, culminating in the iconic tricolor banner featuring the Lion and Sun. This flag was not merely a political emblem—it was a cultural declaration, deeply interwoven with the fabric of Persian identity, history, and mythology. For generations, it represented the continuity of a civilization that stretched back thousands of years, embodying concepts of strength, sovereignty, and a unique blend of ancient Persian and Islamic influences. Understanding this flag requires a journey through time, exploring its constituent elements and the historical periods that shaped its final form. The significance of the Iran flag before 1979 cannot be overstated; it was a visual shorthand for a nation proud of its imperial past and its distinct cultural heritage.

A Glimpse into Ancient Persian Vexillology

The concept of a national flag, as we understand it today, is a relatively modern invention. However, the use of standards and banners to represent leaders, armies, and territories dates back to antiquity. Persia, with its long and storied history, is no exception. Some data from the ancient period indicate that it was on the territory of Iran that the world’s first flag was created, perhaps in the form of a drafsh, or standard. These early symbols often drew inspiration from nature, mythology, and the symbols of ruling dynasties.

The World's First Flag?

While the precise origins are debated, ancient Persian texts and archaeological findings suggest a rich tradition of vexillology. One legendary figure associated with early Iranian banners is Kaveh the Blacksmith. The word Kaveh is written in the canton of some historical interpretations of the flag, referring to the legendary hero Kaveh the Blacksmith from the old Iranian epic poem Shahnameh, who led a rebellion against Zahak. His apron, raised as a standard, became known as the Derafsh Kaviani, a mythical banner of Persian resistance and national pride. While not a national flag in the modern sense, such legends underscore the deep historical roots of symbolic representation in Iran. Ancient reliefs, like the Orthostat relief from Herald's Wall in Carchemish, or artifacts found in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara, Turkey, and the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany, showcase the ancient artistic and symbolic traditions that would later influence national emblems.

The Rise of the Lion and Sun: A Symbol Rooted in Mithraism

Perhaps the most enduring and recognizable symbol of the pre-1979 Iranian flag is the Lion and Sun (Shir-o-Khorshid). This emblem has a fascinating and complex history, deeply intertwined with ancient Persian mythology, astrology, and religious beliefs. From around the 15th century AD, the emblem of the lion and sun entered the Iranian flag, which are two symbols of Mithraism religion. Mithraism, an ancient Persian religion centered around the deity Mithra, often depicted the sun and a lion, symbolizing light, power, and divine royalty.

From Ancient Roots to National Emblem

The lion, a powerful beast, has long been a symbol of royalty, strength, and courage in many cultures, particularly in Persia. The sun, a source of light and life, often represented the divine, sovereignty, and the dawn of a new era. In Persian astrology, the sun in the sign of Leo (the lion) was considered a particularly auspicious configuration, further cementing the association between these two powerful symbols. This combination appeared in various forms over centuries, from royal seals to artistic motifs, gradually gaining prominence as a national emblem. For instance, a 1300 flag of Iran before the 1979 revolution (monarchy) depicts a sun and moon god standing on a lion, showcasing the deep historical roots of these symbols. The lion represented Persian strength, dignity, and ancient imperial grandeur, concepts that resonated deeply with the nation's self-perception.

The Qajar Era: A Sword in the Lion's Hand

The Qajar dynasty (1785–1925) played a crucial role in standardizing the Lion and Sun emblem on the national flag. During this period, a significant modification was introduced: a sword was added to the hand of the lion. This addition transformed the symbol from a purely astrological or religious motif into a more explicit representation of military power, national defense, and the king's authority. The lion holding a sword became a powerful visual statement of Iran's sovereignty and its readiness to defend itself. This armed lion remained in the flag until the revolution, becoming a defining characteristic of the Iran flag before 1979. The Qajar era also saw the gradual adoption of the tricolor design, though its exact form and official status would be solidified later.

The Constitutional Revolution and the Modern Tricolor

A pivotal moment in the evolution of the Iran flag before 1979 occurred during the Constitutional Revolution (1905-1911). This period of immense political and social upheaval led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and the formal adoption of a national flag that closely resembled the one seen before 1979. The modern Iran tricolor flag was adopted after the Iran’s Constitutional Revolution in the year 1906.

Defining the Colors and Symbols (1906-1907)

The fundamental law incorporated on 7th October in the year 1907 showcased a flag having the sun and lion symbol in the middle, having red, white, and green colors. This established the tricolor design that would endure for decades. Each color was imbued with specific meanings:

• Green: Symbolizing growth, happiness, unity, and Islam.
• White: Representing peace, purity, and freedom.
• Red: Standing for bravery, martyrdom, and the sacrifices made for the nation.

The combination of these colors with the central Lion and Sun emblem created a powerful and comprehensive national symbol. The exact details of the symbol describing the Lion and Sun's posture and features were also refined during this period, ensuring a consistent national representation.

The Pahlavi Dynasty: Imperial Grandeur and the Lion-and-Sun

Under the Pahlavi dynasty, which ruled Iran from the late 19th century until 1979, the Lion and Sun flag reached its most recognized and formalized state. Reza Shah Pahlavi and later his son Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, sought to modernize Iran while simultaneously emphasizing its ancient Persian roots. The flag, with its ancient symbols, perfectly served this dual purpose. The lion holding a sword was a part of the Iranian flag under the Pahlavi dynasty, solidifying its status as the national emblem.

The Lion, the Sword, and Persian Strength

Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran’s national flag bore the image of a lion, sword in hand, standing before a rising sun. This imagery was meticulously crafted to convey specific messages:

• The Lion: Represented Persian strength, dignity, and ancient imperial grandeur. It evoked the long line of Persian emperors and the nation's enduring power.
• The Sword: Signified justice, defense, and the military might of the state. It also linked back to legendary heroes and the protection of the realm.
• The Sun: Symbolized the enlightenment, the dawn of a new era, and the divine glory of the monarchy. It also retained its ancient Mithraic connotations.

The flag became a powerful symbol of the Pahlavi monarchy's efforts to revive a sense of national pride based on Iran's pre-Islamic heritage, while also presenting a modern, forward-looking nation. The Persian Empire, under figures like Karim Khan (from earlier periods, but whose legacy was celebrated by Pahlavis), was marked by prosperity and peace, and the flag aimed to embody such ideals of a strong, stable, and prosperous Iran. This image shows a flag, a coat of arms, a seal or some other official insignia, highlighting its official and symbolic weight. The use of such symbols is restricted in many countries, indicating their significance beyond mere decoration. These restrictions are independent of the copyright status, underscoring their national importance.

The 1979 Revolution: A Symbolic Overthrow

The year 1979 marked a watershed moment in Iranian history. In 1979, the fundamentalist religious movement led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini overthrew the Shah and his government and altered the national flag. This revolution was not just a political upheaval; it was a profound ideological shift that sought to redefine Iran's identity, moving away from its monarchical and pre-Islamic past towards an Islamic Republic. The revolutionary events of 1979 brought significant changes to Iran’s political landscape, subsequently influencing its national symbols. The Lion and Sun emblem, having been closely associated with the monarchy and perceived as a symbol of the deposed regime, became a target for change. With the establishment of the Islamic Republic, the use of the lion and sun flag was prohibited, and a new emblem emerged, reflecting the ideological shift of the regime. This prohibition was a clear statement: the new Iran would shed the symbols of its past monarchy and embrace a new, religiously defined identity.

The Aftermath: A New Era, A New Flag

After the revolution, the Iranian flag became stabilized as the present form. After Iran's 1979 revolution, an open call was launched for a new national emblem and flag. The modern version of the flag was adopted in 1980, and designed by artist Hamid Nadimi. The flag of Iran was officially adopted on July 29, 1980. This new flag is a tricolor flag with three equally sized bands of three different colors: green, white, and red, consistent with the previous flag's colors, but with a dramatically different central emblem. The new flag symbolized the replacement of the 2,500-year-old Persian monarchy with the Islamic Republic after the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The central emblem, designed by Hamid Nadimi, is a stylized representation of the word "Allah" (God) in a geometric form, incorporating elements that symbolize growth, balance, and the five pillars of Islam. It also features the phrase "Allahu Akbar" (God is the Greatest) written in Kufic script 22 times along the borders of the green and red bands, symbolizing the date of the revolution. Kimia Maleki explores the history of Iran's flag and the meaning of the emblem based on an interview with Hamid Nadimi, the artist who designed it, as well as a discussion of the emblem that was almost picked. The Islamic Republic of Iran flag has undergone two major variations since 1979, primarily in the exact rendering of the central emblem, but the core design and colors have remained. Today, the flag of the monarchy is, however, used by a small number of Iranian exiles in other parts of the world. For them, it remains a potent symbol of a lost era, a connection to a national identity that predates the Islamic Republic. This highlights the enduring power of vexillology and how national symbols can continue to represent different aspirations and historical narratives for various groups within a nation's diaspora. The "Freedom for Iran protest flag" often features this pre-1979 emblem, demonstrating its continued relevance as a symbol of opposition and a desire for a different future.

Conclusion

The Iran flag before 1979 was a testament to a nation's rich and complex history, embodying millennia of cultural, religious, and political evolution. From ancient standards and mythical heroes like Kaveh, through the adoption of the revered Lion and Sun symbol rooted in Mithraism, to its standardization during the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties with the addition of the sword and the tricolor bands, each element told a story. It was a symbol of Persian strength, dignity, and imperial grandeur, deeply cherished by generations. The 1979 revolution brought an abrupt end to its official use, replacing it with a new emblem reflecting the ideological shift towards an Islamic Republic. Yet, the legacy of the Lion and Sun flag persists. For many, particularly those in the Iranian diaspora, it remains a powerful emblem of historical continuity, cultural heritage, and a different vision for Iran's future. Its story is a compelling reminder of how national symbols are not static, but dynamic reflections of a nation's journey, constantly evolving and holding different meanings for different people. Explore a detailed Iran flag description, from ancient Persia to modern national symbols, and you will discover a fascinating narrative of identity and change. What are your thoughts on the symbolism of the pre-1979 Iranian flag? Do you believe national symbols should evolve with political changes, or should they remain constant to represent a nation's