Iran Flag Meaning: Emblem, 22 Allahu Akbar Inscriptions & Tricolour
Iran’s flag combines green, white and red with the emblem of the Islamic Republic in the centre and the phrase “Allahu Akbar” repeated along the inner edges of the green and red bands.
What is the emblem in the centre?
The red central emblem is the special emblem of the Islamic Republic. Its stylized construction combines elements that form the word Allah and incorporate sword-like and crescent forms.
Why does “Allahu Akbar” appear on the flag?
The phrase Allahu Akbar—“God is greatest”—is written in white Kufic-style script along the borders of the central white band.
Why is it repeated 22 times?
The legal specifications repeat the phrase 22 times: eleven times along the green-white boundary and eleven times along the red-white boundary. This number commemorates 22 Bahman, the date in the Iranian calendar associated with the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
What does the Constitution say?
Article 18 of the Constitution defines the official flag as green, white and red with the special emblem of the Islamic Republic and the motto Allahu Akbar.
Did Iran always use this emblem?
No. Earlier Iranian tricolours commonly used the Lion and Sun emblem. The current Islamic Republic emblem replaced it after the 1979 revolution.
How can you identify the current flag?
Look for a green-white-red horizontal tricolour with a red emblem centred in the white stripe and a repeating white script pattern along both edges of that stripe.
Quick facts
| Colors | Green, white and red |
|---|---|
| Central symbol | Islamic Republic emblem |
| Repeated phrase | Allahu Akbar |
| Repetitions | 22 |
