Iraq Flag: Meaning, Colors, History & Facts
Iraq’s national flag has three horizontal bands—red, white and black—with the Arabic phrase Allahu Akbar written in green across the central white stripe. The current version dates to 2008.
What does the Iraq flag look like?
The flag has three equal horizontal stripes: red on top, white in the middle and black at the bottom. The green Takbir, Allahu Akbar, is centred across the white stripe.
What does Allahu Akbar mean?
The Arabic phrase means “God is greatest.” It is the current flag’s only central symbol or text.
Why are there no stars anymore?
Earlier Iraqi flags used three green stars. Parliament approved a revised design in 2008 that removed the stars but kept the Takbir and the red-white-black tricolour.
Explore the current design and Takbir →
What do the colors mean?
Red, white and black belong to the broader Pan-Arab color tradition. Iraq’s Constitution does not prescribe a simple one-word meaning for each color; instead, Article 12 requires the flag to symbolize the components of the Iraqi people.
How did the flag develop?
The red-white-black structure dates to 1963. Allahu Akbar was added in 1991 during Saddam Hussein’s rule, the calligraphy was later changed, and the three stars were removed in 2008.
Read the full Iraq flag history →
How can you identify the current flag?
Look for the green Arabic phrase alone on the white stripe. If you see three green stars, you are looking at an older Iraqi flag.
Why do older images look different?
Iraq’s flag has changed repeatedly with political regimes. Older photographs may show three stars, different calligraphy or other historical state designs.
Iraq flag facts
| Colors | Red, white, black, green |
|---|---|
| Central text | Allahu Akbar |
| Stars | None on current flag |
| Core tricolour | Since 1963 |
| Current revision | 2008 |
Iraq flag FAQ
What is written on the Iraqi flag?
Allahu Akbar in Arabic.
What happened to the three stars?
They were removed in the 2008 redesign.
