The Lion And Sun: Iran's Flag Before The 1979 Revolution

Mr. Jovani Bode 18 Jun 2025

The history of a nation is often encapsulated in its symbols, and few symbols are as potent as a national flag. For centuries, the flag of Iran has served as a vibrant tapestry reflecting the country's rich heritage, political transformations, and evolving national identity. However, among these various iterations, the flag of Iran before the 1979 Revolution holds a particularly significant place, representing an era of monarchy and deep-rooted Persian tradition that dramatically concluded with the establishment of the Islamic Republic.

This article delves into the profound symbolism, historical evolution, and eventual replacement of the iconic Lion and Sun flag, which proudly flew over Iran until the pivotal events of 1979. Understanding this flag is not merely a study of vexillology; it is an exploration of a nation's soul, its ancient past, and the dramatic shifts that reshaped its destiny. We will uncover the origins of its colors and emblems, trace its journey through constitutional reforms, and examine its enduring legacy in contemporary Iranian identity.

The Enduring Symbolism of the Lion and Sun
Historical Roots: Colors and Emblems Before 1906
The Constitutional Revolution of 1906: Birth of the Modern Tricolor
- The Fundamental Law of 1907
The Lion and Sun Flag: A Deep Dive into its Design
Monarchy and National Identity: The Flag's Role Until 1979
The 1979 Revolution: A Turning Point for Iran's Flag
- The Replacement of the Lion and Sun
The Post-Revolution Flag: A New Emblem, A New Era
- The Current Flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Legacy and Continued Use: The Lion and Sun Today
- Freedom for Iran Protest Flag

The Enduring Symbolism of the Lion and Sun

The most recognizable element of the flag of Iran before the 1979 Revolution was undoubtedly the Lion and Sun emblem. Known in Persian as *Shir-o-Khorshid* ([ˌʃeːɾu xʷuɾˈʃeːd]), this symbol is one of the main emblems of Iran and holds deep historical and cultural significance. It represents a fusion of ancient Persian traditions and Islamic influences, embodying a rich tapestry of meanings. The lion, a symbol of power, courage, and royalty, has roots stretching back to ancient Mesopotamian and Persian empires, notably seen in Achaemenid Persian reliefs, such as the sign of the lion in Persepolis, meticulously documented by institutions like the University of Chicago Oriental Institute. This ancient lineage firmly establishes the lion as a long-standing emblem of the Iranian state. Complementing the lion is the sun, a celestial body revered in various ancient cultures, including Zoroastrianism, Iran's pre-Islamic religion. The sun often symbolizes light, life, royalty, and divine glory. When combined, the Lion and Sun emblem represents the convergence of monarchy (the lion) and the divine (the sun), often depicted as a rising sun behind the lion, signifying a new dawn or the continuous prosperity of the kingdom. This powerful imagery served as a potent national emblem, adorning flags, coins, and official documents for centuries, deeply embedding itself in the national consciousness.

Historical Roots: Colors and Emblems Before 1906

While the Lion and Sun emblem has ancient origins, the specific combination of green, white, and red stripes that formed the basis of the modern Iranian flag has a more defined historical trajectory. The colors green, white, and red have been used since the 18th century by Iranian or Persian rulers as ensigns. These colors, each carrying symbolic weight, gradually became associated with the Iranian state. Green traditionally represents growth, prosperity, and the Islamic faith; white signifies peace, purity, and freedom; and red embodies courage, sacrifice, and martyrdom. However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that these colors were formally adopted into a national flag design. Before 1906, various banners and standards were used by different dynasties and rulers, often featuring the Lion and Sun in various forms, but without a standardized national flag as we understand it today. The formalization of the tricolor design marked a significant step in the evolution of Iran's national identity, moving towards a more unified and modern state symbol, paving the way for the specific design of the flag of Iran before the 1979 Revolution.

The Constitutional Revolution of 1906: Birth of the Modern Tricolor

The year 1906 marked a pivotal moment in Iranian history: the Constitutional Revolution. This period of significant political and social upheaval led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and the adoption of a formal national flag. It was during this time that the modern Iran tricolor flag was officially adopted. The decision to use a horizontal tricolor of green, white, and red, in that order from top to bottom, laid the foundation for the flag that would represent Iran for the next seven decades. This adoption was not merely an aesthetic choice; it was a reflection of the nation's aspirations for modernity, national unity, and a defined legal framework for governance.

The Fundamental Law of 1907

Following the initial adoption, the exact details of the flag were further solidified. The fundamental law incorporated on October 7, 1907, showcased a flag having the Sun and Lion symbol in the middle, positioned on the white band, with the red, white, and green colors forming the stripes. This legal formalization ensured consistency and official recognition of the design. The state flag was similar but specifically included the lion with a sword and a rising sun, emphasizing its role as a symbol of the state's power and sovereignty. This period cemented the Lion and Sun tricolor as the official emblem of the Iranian nation and its monarchy, a design that would become synonymous with the country's identity until the revolutionary changes of 1979.

The Lion and Sun Flag: A Deep Dive into its Design

The design of the flag of Iran before the 1979 Revolution was meticulously crafted, with each element carrying specific meaning. It was a horizontal tricolor of green, white, and red. The green stripe was at the top, followed by the white in the middle, and the red at the bottom. Centered on the white band was the national emblem: the Lion and Sun. The lion was typically depicted as a striding lion holding a scimitar (sword) in its right paw, with a rising sun behind its back. This specific depiction of the lion with a sword added another layer of symbolism, representing the military might and defensive capabilities of the Iranian state. The precise details of the symbol, including the lion's posture, the sun's rays, and the sword, were subject to minor variations over time, but the core elements remained consistent. This emblem was not merely decorative; it was a powerful representation of Persian heritage, the enduring monarchy, and the national identity that had evolved over millennia. The flag, therefore, served as a visual testament to Iran's ancient past, its royal lineage, and its aspirations for a modern future under constitutional rule. It was a symbol recognized globally as representing the Iranian state and its people.

Monarchy and National Identity: The Flag's Role Until 1979

For over seven decades, the Lion and Sun tricolor was the undisputed national flag of Iran. It symbolized Persian heritage, monarchy, and national identity until the 1979 Iranian Revolution. During this period, particularly under the Pahlavi dynasty, the flag became inextricably linked with the Shah's rule and his vision for a modernized, yet historically rooted, Iran. It flew over government buildings, schools, military installations, and was proudly displayed by citizens across the country. The flag represented continuity with Iran's imperial past, serving as a constant reminder of the nation's long history and its place on the global stage. The flag was more than just a piece of cloth; it was a unifying symbol that transcended daily politics, embodying the collective spirit and aspirations of the Iranian people under the monarchy. It was a source of pride, representing sovereignty, independence, and the distinct cultural identity of Iran. Generations grew up under this flag, associating it with national holidays, achievements, and the very fabric of their society. Its presence was ubiquitous, from official ceremonies to everyday life, solidifying its status as the paramount national symbol. The reverence for this flag was deeply ingrained, making its eventual alteration a profound and symbolic shift for the nation.

The 1979 Revolution: A Turning Point for Iran's Flag

The year 1979 marked an unprecedented turning point in Iranian history, with profound implications for its political landscape and national symbols. The fundamentalist religious movement led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini successfully overthrew the Shah and his government, leading to the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This revolutionary event was not just a change in governance; it was a fundamental ideological shift that sought to redefine the nation's identity, moving away from its monarchical and pre-Islamic heritage towards a new, religiously-based system.

The Replacement of the Lion and Sun

One of the most immediate and visible manifestations of this ideological shift was the alteration of the national flag. With the establishment of the Islamic Republic, the use of the Lion and Sun flag was prohibited. The emblem, deeply associated with the monarchy and perceived as a symbol of the ousted regime, was deemed incompatible with the new revolutionary ideals. Consequently, the lion was replaced by a new emblem, reflecting the profound ideological shift of the regime. This new emblem, featuring a stylized representation of the word "Allah" and other Islamic symbols, was designed to represent the core tenets of the Islamic Revolution and the new republic. The change was swift and decisive, signaling a complete break from the past and ushering in a new era for Iran's national identity.

The Post-Revolution Flag: A New Emblem, A New Era

After the revolution, the Iranian flag became stabilized as its present form, a stark departure from the flag of Iran before the 1979 Revolution. The new design retained the traditional green, white, and red tricolor, acknowledging the historical continuity of these colors in Iranian banners. However, the central emblem and additional elements were entirely new, reflecting the Islamic Republic's foundational principles. This transformation was a deliberate act to erase symbols of the monarchy and replace them with those aligned with the new religious government.

The Current Flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran

The current flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran was adopted on July 29, 1980. It features a horizontal tricolor of green, white, and red, similar to its predecessor. However, the white band is now centered with the national emblem in red. This emblem is a highly stylized representation of the word "Allah" (God) in the form of a tulip, symbolizing martyrdom and sacrifice. Additionally, the phrase "Allahu Akbar" (God is the Greatest) is written in the Kufic script in white, repeated 11 times along the bottom edge of the green band and 11 times along the top edge of the red band, for a total of 22 times on the fringe of the bands. This repetition signifies the date of the revolution, the 22nd day of Bahman (February 11), 1979. This intricate design is one of the most prominent reflections of the Iranian Revolution in the country's national symbols, representing a profound ideological and political transformation. A supporter of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waving an Iranian flag at a gathering in Azadi Soccer Stadium in West Tehran on May 26, 2022, is a common sight today, showcasing the widespread adoption and acceptance of this new national symbol within the current regime.

Legacy and Continued Use: The Lion and Sun Today

Despite its official prohibition, the Lion and Sun emblem, and by extension, the flag of Iran before the 1979 Revolution, continues to hold significant meaning for many Iranians, both within the country and in the diaspora. It is still commonly used by nationalists and opposition groups of the Islamic Republic government. For these groups, the flag represents a longing for a different past, a symbol of resistance against the current regime, and an emblem of a secular, democratic, or monarchical future for Iran. The flag serves as a powerful reminder of Iran's pre-revolutionary identity, its ancient heritage, and a period of history that many view with nostalgia or as a symbol of what was lost.

Freedom for Iran Protest Flag

The "Freedom for Iran protest flag" is often a variant of the Iranian tricolor that features the Lion and Sun, specifically the version used before the revolution. In protests and demonstrations against the Islamic Republic, both inside Iran and internationally, this flag is frequently displayed. It has become a rallying symbol for those advocating for change, human rights, and a return to a more secular or democratic form of governance. The continued use of this historical flag underscores its enduring power as a symbol of identity, dissent, and hope for a significant portion of the Iranian population who do not identify with the symbols of the current regime. It serves as a visual bridge to a past that, for many, represents a different vision for Iran's future.

The journey of Iran's national flag, from its ancient roots to its modern iterations, is a microcosm of the nation's tumultuous history. The flag of Iran before the 1979 Revolution, with its majestic Lion and Sun, stands as a testament to centuries of Persian heritage, monarchical rule, and a distinct national identity. Its eventual replacement by the emblem of the Islamic Republic marked a profound ideological and political rupture, signaling a new chapter in Iran's story.

Yet, the legacy of the Lion and Sun endures, not just as a historical artifact but as a living symbol for many who cherish Iran's pre-revolutionary past and envision a different future. Understanding this flag is crucial for comprehending the complexities of modern Iran, its historical consciousness, and the ongoing debates about its national identity. We encourage you to delve deeper into the rich history of Iran and its symbols. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or explore other articles on our site to continue your journey through the fascinating world of vexillology and national history.

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The Lion And Sun: Iran's Flag Before The 1979 Revolution

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