Historical Encyclopedia
State symbolism is an important element of national identity that reflects the history, culture, and values of a country. Symbols such as the coat of arms, flag, and anthem embody state authority as well as the national ideals and aspirations of the people. In Syria, state symbolism has deep historical roots and reflects numerous stages of the country's development, its political changes, and its connections with other Arab countries. In this section, we will examine the history of Syrian state symbolism, its changes, and significance at various stages of the country's development.
For over 400 years, Syria was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire (1516-1918). During this time, the country did not have its own state symbolism, as it was part of a larger empire. The main symbols were those used to represent the Ottoman Empire as a whole, such as the Ottoman coat of arms and flag. The Ottoman coat of arms included images symbolizing the sultan, as the head of state, as well as elements representing the Islamic faith.
After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century, Syria came under French mandate. This period became a significant phase in the formation of Syrian state symbolism.
After World War I, Syria became a mandated territory of France. During the French mandate (1920-1946), Syria had limited autonomy, and the state symbolism of this period was largely tied to French control. However, over time, independence movements began to emerge in Syria, and some symbols began to acquire meanings related to Syrian identity.
One of these symbols was the coat of arms of the Syrian Kingdom, which was adopted in 1920 when Syria became a kingdom under Faisal I. The coat of arms depicted a falcon, symbolizing strength and independence, as well as Arab elements emphasizing Syria's connection to the Arab world. However, after France de facto annexed most of Syria in 1920, the symbolism lost its national character.
In 1946, Syria gained independence, and the country began the process of establishing its own state symbolism. During this period, a new coat of arms was adopted, reflecting the country's independence and its aspiration for national identity. The coat of arms of Syria during this period included an image of the Syrian falcon, which became a symbol of power and determination. It also featured Arab elements such as palm branches, symbolizing peace and prosperity, and an Arabic inscription representing the unity of the Syrian people.
However, political and social changes in Syria in the mid-20th century led to changes in state symbolism. In 1958, after the unification of Syria with Egypt under the United Arab Republic, a new flag was developed that used green, white, black, and red stripes, as well as stars that symbolized the alliance between the two countries.
Since 1963, when socialist forces came to power in Syria, state symbolism underwent further changes. A new flag was initially adopted, symbolizing the changes in the country's political structure and its orientation towards Arab socialism. The flag once again featured green, white, black, and red stripes, as well as two green stars symbolizing the union of Syria and Egypt. This flag remained the official flag of Syria until 1980.
In 1980, when Syria fully reclaimed its independence from Egypt, the flag was changed. The new flag retained the same colors, but the stars were removed, and the symbolism of the flag became more focused on Syrian national identity. This flag and coat of arms have been preserved in Syria to this day, although in recent years new variations of the coat of arms and flag have been used depending on the political situation in the country.
The coat of arms of Syria has gone through several stages of evolution. Since gaining independence in 1946, the country's coat of arms has changed according to the political situation in the country. At the beginning of independence, the coat of arms depicted the Syrian falcon, symbolizing power and independence. However, in 1961, after Syria left the United Arab Republic, the coat of arms was modified: it featured an Arab falcon, also symbolizing the power and independence of the Arab world.
In 1980, the coat of arms was finally changed, and it displayed the Arab falcon set against two green palm branches symbolizing peace and prosperity. The coat of arms became a symbol not only of Syria's independence but also of its role in the Arab world. This coat of arms remains relevant to this day and is the official state symbol of Syria.
The flag of Syria has undergone several phases of changes. In the early stages, in the early 20th century, when Syria was under French mandate, it used French symbols. After gaining independence in 1946, a new flag was adopted that featured three colors: green, white, and black, symbolizing Arab nationalism. In 1958, due to the unification with Egypt, the flag was changed, and it included two green stars symbolizing the alliance between the two countries.
After 1963, the flag of Syria began to symbolize its socialist orientation as well as its alliance with Egypt. In 1980, after the break with Egypt, the stars were removed from the flag, and it began to represent solely the Syrian Arab Republic. This flag continues to be the official symbol of Syria to this day.
The state symbolism of Syria reflects not only its long and rich history but also the political changes that have occurred throughout the 20th century and continue to this day. The coat of arms, flag, and other symbols of the country play an important role in strengthening national identity and unity. Despite political crises and changes in power, symbolism remains an important element of Syrian culture and history, continuing to serve as a link for the people of Syria.