Iran’s national flag is a horizontal green-white-red tricolour with a red emblem at the centre and the phrase Allahu Akbar repeated along the borders of the white band.

What does the Iranian flag look like?

The flag has three equal horizontal stripes. A stylised red emblem representing the word Allah appears in the centre. The phrase “Allahu Akbar” is repeated 22 times in Kufic-style script along the green-white and white-red boundaries.

Why 22 inscriptions?

The 22 repetitions refer to 22 Bahman in the Iranian calendar, corresponding to February 11, 1979, when the Islamic Revolution achieved victory.

History of the flag

Green, white and red had been used in Iranian flags before 1979, often with the Lion and Sun emblem. After the Islamic Revolution, a new central emblem and inscriptions were introduced. The present design was adopted in 1980.

Iran flag facts

• Colors: green, white and red
• Current design: 1980
• Allahu Akbar repetitions: 22
• Former emblem: Lion and Sun