Historical Encyclopedia
Iraq is a country with a rich and multi-century history, which for thousands of years has been the center of great civilizations such as Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria. Consequently, the state symbols of Iraq have undergone numerous changes, reflecting not only the ancient heritage but also modern political and social transformations. The history of the flag, coat of arms, and other symbols of the country is closely linked to significant events that have occurred within Iraq throughout its long history.
Before the appearance of modern state symbols, symbols and signs reflecting the grandeur of ancient civilizations were used in Iraq. In the era of Sumer, Akkad, and Babylon, various images of gods, mythical creatures, and astronomical symbols were used. One of the well-known symbols was a relief depicting a lion, which symbolized strength and power. In the Assyrian Empire, the symbols of winged bulls and eagles held special significance, embodying the protection and divine authority of rulers.
Moreover, religious cults that worshiped the gods of the Sun, Moon, and stars had a significant influence on symbolism. The symbols of these gods were used both to signify statehood and to assert the power of kings. At that time, there were no official flags, but signs and banners played an important role in identifying city-states and kingdoms.
From the 7th century, when Iraq became part of the Arab Caliphate, the state symbols underwent significant changes. During the Abbasid dynasty, when Baghdad became the capital of the caliphate, the symbolism took on Islamic characteristics. The main symbol of that time was the black flag of the Abbasids, symbolizing power and strength. The flag featured embroidered Kufic inscriptions of religious sayings, emphasizing Islamic unity and the might of the dynasty.
During this period, Arabic calligraphy was also widely used as a symbol of culture and religion. The tradition of using Islamic sayings and calligraphic decorations in state symbolism persisted for centuries and influenced the modern symbolism of Iraq.
From the 16th century, Iraq was under the control of the Ottoman Empire, and during this period, the state symbols of Iraq were closely associated with those of the Ottomans. The main state symbol was a red flag with a crescent and star, symbolizing Islam and Ottoman dominance. The flag was used in various provinces, including the Iraqi cities of Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul.
Ottoman symbolism remained dominant until the early 20th century when Iraq came under British control after World War I. The period of Ottoman rule also influenced the architecture and culture of Iraq, which was reflected in the style of building designs and public structures.
After the end of World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq came under British administration under the League of Nations. In 1921, the Hashemite monarchy was established, and Faisal I became king of Iraq. During this period, the first official flag of Iraq was approved. It represented a rectangular banner with three horizontal stripes: black, white, and green, with a red triangle at the hoist and a seven-pointed white star in the center of the triangle. These colors symbolized Arab unity and the connection with Arab uprisings against the Ottoman Empire.
The Kingdom of Iraq existed until 1958 when a revolution occurred and the monarchy was overthrown. During this time, the symbolism remained unchanged and reflected the aspiration for independence and national identity.
As a result of the revolution in 1958, the monarchy was overthrown, and Iraq became a republic. The new flag of the republic consisted of three horizontal stripes: black, white, and green, with a red trapezoidal field at the hoist and two green stars. The green stars symbolized Arab unity, while the colors of the flag reflected pan-Arab sentiments.
With the establishment of the republic, the state coats of arms and emblems were also changed. During this period, symbols associated with Arab socialism and anti-imperialism were used, emphasizing the country's aspiration for independence and sovereignty.
In 1968, the Ba'ath Party came to power in Iraq, and its leader Saddam Hussein established a new state flag in 1991 after the end of the Gulf War. The flag featured three horizontal stripes (red, white, and black) with three green stars in the center. Subsequently, a Kufic inscription stating "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great) was added between the stars, symbolizing the Islamic character of the state.
During this period, the symbolism of Iraq emphasized the political and religious ideology of Saddam Hussein's regime. The green stars symbolized Arab unity, while the inscription "Allahu Akbar" indicated adherence to Islam.
After the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003, the process of revising the state symbols began. In 2004, a new flag was approved, which retained three horizontal stripes (red, white, and black), but the green stars were removed. However, the inscription "Allahu Akbar" remained on the flag, but it was now rendered in a traditional Arabic style instead of Hussein's handwriting.
The modern flag of Iraq was officially adopted in 2008 and remains unchanged to this day. It consists of the same three stripes and the inscription "Allahu Akbar," symbolizing Islam and national identity. This is a symbol of a renewed Iraq striving for peace and unity after years of conflict.
The coat of arms of Iraq has also undergone many changes throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The modern coat of arms includes the image of a golden eagle of Salah ad-Din with a shield painted in the colors of the national flag. The eagle symbolizes the strength and determination of the country. The inscription in Arabic on the coat of arms means "Republic of Iraq," emphasizing the sovereignty and independence of the state.
The history of the state symbols of Iraq reflects all the complexities and changes that the country has experienced over the past centuries. Each stage of its history, whether it be ancient civilizations, the Arab caliphate, Ottoman rule, or the modern republic, has left its mark on the symbols that represent the statehood of Iraq. The present flag and coat of arms of the country are symbols of hope for the future, unity, and the aspiration for stability after decades of conflicts and changes.