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Pictorial History of Iranian Flags
Iran Flags' History
a book by Ahreeman X
November 4, 2006

Chapter One
Iran's Historical Flags and Emblems

Introduction

There are all types of inaccurate information on various Iranian websites on the Internet, about history of the Iranian flags. Do not trust these websites because non-of these webmasters are historians or experts in Ancient Persian History. Most people and historians look at history as a dogmatic, classical academic subject; however, I look at History as a science! History is a scientific field, which must be updated in accordance to the latest scientific, archeological, anthropological and historical discoveries. History same as computer software must be upgraded; therefore, it changes by the times.

Transitional History and Scientific History

I do not write the "Transitional History" which transfers from generation to generation with a spice of a political twist in accordance to the theme of the rulers of the time! I write the "Scientific History" where I research and use the scientific facts and evidence as my documents and foundation. The Scientific History is the only way to research and study history in the 21sth Century.

Differences Between Transitional History and Scientific History

· The "Transitional History" changes by political power. On the contrary, The "Scientific History" changes by the scientific evidence.
· The Transitional History is dogmatic, yet the Scientific History is progressive.
· The Transitional History is mythical, yet the Scientific History is practical.

I am not a professional historian and my field of education is not history; however, I am an amateur historian who has been studying and researching history for a long time. I have been studying history since age 10, and I have been researching history for decades. Most important, is the fact that I look at history as a scientific field, which needs to be upgraded by time.

You are about to observe the latest and the most accurate historical research of the 21sth Century, about the history of the Iranian flag. Please enjoy the research.

Iran, Persia and Pars

Persia is the Latin term for Iran; therefore, Persia means Iran. Pars is also the Persian term for Iran. Before 1935 Iran used to be named Pars. On March 1935, Reza Shah The Great had officially changed the English term "Persia" and the Persian term "Pars" to Iran. On this date, Reza Khan had officially changed the name of the country to Iran, which means "Land of Aryans". So, Iran, Persia and Pars are the same.

8000 Years of Iranian History

Throughout my writings, you will notice many references to "8000 years of Iranian history". The logic is that any civilization, which existed in the boundaries of the present Iran, is considered to be Iranian; therefore, Iran has 8000 years of history, the oldest civilization on Earth.

Periods of Iranian History
8000 Years of Iranian History

1. Ancient Civilizations Era: 6000 BC - 2000 BC
2. Vedai Era: 2000 BC - 850 BC
3. Pre-Avesta Era: 850 BC - 728 BC
4. The Kingdom Era: 728 BC - 559 BC
5. The First Imperial Era: 559 BC - 651 AD
6. The First Arabo-Islamic Invasion-Occupation Era: 651 AD - 873 AD
7. The Second Imperial Era: 873 AD - 1979 AD
8. The Second Arabo-Islamic Invasion-Occupation Era: 1979 AD - Present

Persian Ancient Civilizations

Persian City State

Susa (Shush) Persian City State (6000 BC - 3750 BC)
Iran has 8000 years of history, oldest civilization on Earth. Susa City State originated in Khuzestan of Iran. From 6000 BC to 3750 BC, Shush (Susa) the first civilization in Iran was a City State and ruled by Governors. Some Governors were subject rulers, some autonomous, and some independent. Shimbi-ish-khuk was a famous Governor of Susa [Under Babylon] (Before 3750 BC)

Ancient Persian Kingdom

Susa (Shush) Ancient Persian Kingdom (3750 BC - 539 BC)
Kingdom of Shush (Susa), the first Kingdom of Iran (Ancient Persian Kingdom) originated in Khuzestan of Iran. Karibu-Sha-Shushinak also known as Shushinak (3750 BC), son of Shimbi-ish-khuk (patesi of Susa, governor of the land of Elam), at First was a subject ruler Under Babylon, then he became an independent Sha (Shah), The Shah of Susa [First Shah of Iran]. Before this period, there were Governors ruling Susa, not Shahs. Shushinak built many temples and wrote many inscriptions. Shushinak started the Kingdom of Iran. Karibu Sha was the first Sha (Shah) of Iran. After him, many Susa Dynasties had ruled Iran. Susa Kingdom's reign ended by start of the Achaemenid Empire.

Persian Empire

First Pars: First Persian Empire 539 BC - 651 AD (Achaemenid - Sassanid)
Second Pars: Second Persian Empire 1501 AD - 1797 AD (Safavid - Qajar)
Third Pars: The Future Revival of The Persian Empire

First Pars (539 BC - 651 AD)

First Pars (1st Persian Empire) started by Cyrus The Great (1st Persian Emperor) on 539 BC and ended by the First AIOG (Arabo-Islamic Occupational Government) on 651 AD. Cyrus The Great of Achaemenid Dynasty's reign were during 559 BC - 530 BC; however, by 539 BC he had built the Persian Empire. So the official starting date of the "1st Pars" were since Cyrus had started the Persian Empire (539 BC) until the end point of Yazdgird III, the last emperor of the Sassanid Dynasty (651 AD). This period covers the Iranian history during Achaemenids, Arsacids (Ashkanids) and Sassanids Dynasties of Iran.

Second Pars (1501 AD - 1797 AD)

Second Pars (2nd Persian Empire) started by Shah Islamil I Safavid on 1501 AD and ended by the reign of Aqa Mohamad Khan Qajar (Last Persian Emperor) on 1797 AD. Shah Ismail I (1501 AD - 1524 AD) was the reviver of the Persian Empire. Aqa Mohamad Khan (1794 AD - 1797 AD) was a worthy Shahanshah who maintained the integrity of the Persian Empire. Aqa Mohamad Khan was the Last Persian Emperor. After his reign the unworthy Shahs of Qajar caused the decline of the Persian Empire and its transformation to the Kingdom of Pars. This period covers the Iranian history during Safavids, Afsharids, Zand and Qajar (Only The 1st Qajar Emperor) Dynasties of Iran.

Third Pars (Future Dates)

Third Pars (3rd Persian Empire) will and must become a reality. Pan Iranists all around the globe believe that it is crucial for the survival of the Iranian people to create a "Persian Union" and to once more, unite all Iranian teritories including: Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, A Small Part of Russia (Ossetia), Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Parts of Iraq including Kurdistan and more, Bahrain, Part of Pakistan (Baluchistan), and Iran. We must deal with the Second AIOG (Arabo-Islamic Occupational Government) with unshakable determination and extreme prejudice. Destruction of AIOG is crucial to rebirth of Iran. For once and for all and for the last time in history, Islamic Abomination must be dealt with. No doubt, Persian Empire will rise again.

Faravahar Emblem
The Kingdom Era: 728 BC - 559 BC
Goes back to the time of Zarathustra Spitmata, the great Persian Philosopher.

Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds (English)
Pendare Nik, Goftare Nik, Kerdare Nik (Modern Persian)
Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta (Avestaian Persian)

Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds are the three elements of Ancient Zoroastrian Teachings of Zarathustra. Faravahar is a Zoroastrian Symbol and an Ancient Aryan Symbol of The Pure Persian Pride. The original Zoroastrian Philosophy differs with the present teachings of the Zoroastrian Fire Temples. Throughout the centuries, The Hierarchy of Fire Temples had revised the original Zoroastrian Doctrines. The original Zoroastrian Philosophy teaches us that Faravahar is half man (Ahuramazda) and half beast (Ahreeman) which resembles the factor of Duality in all elements of the universe. Ahuramazda and Ahreeman are two sides of the same coin. There are no absolute good or evil. There are no absolutes at all. Farvahar is holding The Ring of Power, which were granted to the Persian Emperors to govern the Aryan Lands.

The Holy Sun is the symbol of light, fertility and intelligence. The Holy Fire is the symbol of health, heat, light and intellect. May The Holy Fire shines and lights up our paths so we can see the truth with the wisdom and intellect.

The Original Meaning of Lion and Sun

Lion represents: the Aryan protector, Aryan root force, Aryan ingenuity and Aryan power.
Sun represents: light, warmth and wisdom, which shines upon Aryans.

Original Lion and Sun Emblem
Ancient Civilizations Era: 6000 BC - 2000 BC
Also used during these periods of both: Susa Persian City State (6000 BC - 3750 BC) and Susa Ancient Persian Kingdom (3750 BC - 2000 BC).
The Lion and Sun emblem is the oldest Persian Aryan Logo, going back 8000 years.
The Lion and Sun Emblem shows here in this manner:
The Lion watches over Aryans from his quarters inside the Holy Sun.

Lion and Sun Emblem
Vedai Era: 2000 BC - 850 BC
Also used during these periods of: Susa Ancient Persian Kingdom (2000 BC - 850 BC)
The Lion and Sun Emblem shows here in this manner:
The Aryan Lion reaching to and grabbing the Holy Wisdom of The Sun.
According to some historians, Sun represents "Mitra" The Ancient Persian Sun Goddess.

Original Derafsh Kaviyani
Pre-Avesta Era: 850 BC - 728 BC
The Kingdom Era: 728 BC - 559 BC
The original Derafsh Kaviyani dates back to Pre-Avesta Era.
Legend tells us that a myth was formed in where the mythical Kaveh Ahangar (Persian Freedom fighter) had risen this Derafsh against the oppression of Zahak (Arab Occupational Ruler). Kaveh raising the Derafsh Kaviyani Banner, was the starting point of the Persian Nationalist revolt to overthrow the Arab Occupational Forces. Some interpret that Kaveh was Cyrus The Achaemenid and Zahak was Azhidahak (Astiyak) the Med. Cyrus (Keveh) revolted against the oppression of Astiyak (Zahak) and ended the Median Kingdom by starting the Persian Empire. Others believe that Yaqub Leis Saffarid (Liberator of Iran) is in fact the legandary "Kaveh" who freed Iran from the Arab Caliph Al Mu'tamid-ol Bi-Allah of Abbasid whom represented "Zahak".

Fact or fiction, the legend of Kaveh lives on, and today Persian Freedom Fighters are fighting the AIOG (Arabo-Islamic Occupational Government) of IRI. Maybe there really was a Kaveh and a Zahak back in Pre-Avesta Era; however, the only factual evidence tells us that The original Derafsh Kaviyani dates back to Pre-Avesta Era.

Flag of Cyrus The Great
Achaemenid Dynasty: 559 BC - 330 BC
The very first official "Imperial Flag" of Iran, the emblem of The Golden Eagle used by Cyrus I from 559 BC. As The Persian Kingdom (Median Kingdom) became The Persian Empire (Achaemenid's Empire), this banner became the official banner of The Persian Empire. This flag became the standard state flag of the Achaemenid Empire.

Cyrus' Golden Eagle Banner
Achaemenid Dynasty: 559 BC - 330 BC
The official Achaemenid's Imperial Courthouse Banner

Achaemenid Battle Standard
Achaemenid Dynasty: 559 BC - 330 BC
Achaemenid Military Units used to carry this banner.

Achaemenid Lion Emblem
Achaemenid Dynasty: 559 BC - 330 BC
This emblem had been popular to carve in various Achaemenid architectural monuments.

Lion, Sun and Anahita Emblem
4th Century BC
Oldest trace of this emblem shows Shahanshah Artaxerxes II of Achaemenid Dynasty (404 BC - 359 BC) during 4th Century BC, prays to Anahita (Ancient Persian Goddess) on Aryan Lion's back with the Holy Sun behind her.

Lion, Sun and Anahita Logo
4th Century BC
Oldest trace of this emblem shows Shahanshah Artaxerxes II of Achaemenid Dynasty (404 BC - 359 BC) during 4th Century BC, Anahita (Ancient Persian Goddess), Aryan Lion and the Holy Sun.

Modern Anahita and Mitra Banner
Aryan Lion, Mitra (Sun) and Anahita, 4th Century BC
Oldest trace of this emblem goes back to Shahanshah Artaxerxes II of Achaemenid Dynasty's (404 BC - 359 BC) Era during 4th Century BC. Anahita (Ancient Persian Goddess) on Aryan Lion's back, holding a barsam, while Mitra (the Holy Sun Goddess) represented by the sun, shines behind her. All in front of the Persian Tricolor Banner waving in background.

Parthian Azhidahak Banner
Arsacid Dynasty: 238 BC - 224AD
The official Parthian Courthouse Banner of Azhidahak (Dragon)

Parthian Azhidahak Military Standard
Arsacid Dynasty: 238 BC - 224AD
The official Parthian Military Standard of Azhidahak (Dragon)
This version of Azhidahak (Dragon) had a horn.

Derafsh kaviyani with Jewels
Sassanid Dynasty: 224 AD - 651AD
Flag of Derafsh-e Kaviyani, Sassanid Dynasty
This famous symbol of Persian Freedom and Independence were used during 224 AD - 651 AD. Emperors such as Shapour The Great, Anoushirvan, and Khosrow Parviz waved this banner and Great Military Leaders such as Pride of Iran, General Arteshbod "Rostam-e Farokhzad" The Great Persian Hero had fought and died under this banner. Rostam Farokhzad and his men fought until the final drop of their blood defending Iran, while battled the Savage Arabo-Muslim Invaders.

Derafsh kaviyani
Sassanid Dynasty: 224 AD - 651AD
Derafsh was the official Sassanian Banner. Yellow, Purple, Red and White were the Sassanian Derafsh colors.

Derafsh kaviyani
Sassanid Dynasty: 224 AD - 651AD
Different version of Derafsh

Derafshe Kaviyani Standard
Sassanid Dynasty: 224 AD - 651AD
Legendary Banner of Kaveh was the Official Sassanid Coat of Honor.
This is the Sassanian Battle Banner version.

Flag of Abu Moslem and Black Shirts
747 AD - 755 AD
Banner of Persian freedom fighter, Abu Moslem Khorasani, great son of Khorasan and his Black Shirt followers. Black Shirts were one of the original Persian resistance forces against the Bani Umayyad Caliphate and the Arab occupation of Iran. Black Shirts fought with the First AIOG (Arabo-Islamic Occupational Government).

Flag of Babak Khorramdin and Red Shirts
816 AD - 837 AD
Banner of Persian freedom fighter, Babak Khoramdin and his Red Shirt followers. Red Shirts were one of the original Persian resistance forces against the Bani Abbas Caliphate and the Arab occupation of Iran. Black Shirts fought with the First AIOG (Arabo-Islamic Occupational Government).

Akhtar Kaviyani (Banner of Yaqub)
Saffarid Dynasty: 867 AD - 1003 AD
Flag of Yaqub Leis Saffarid, liberator of Iran from the First AIOG (Arabo-Islamic Occupational Government). Yaqub was the starter of Saffarid Dynasty, the first Iranian Dynasty which recaptured and controlled the majority of the Iranian land, since the First Arabo-Islamic Invasion-Occupation of Iran. Yaqub is Iran's greatest freedom fighter, because if there were no Yaqub, then Iran of today, would still have been an Arab Colony! Yaqub ended the occupation of Iran by Arabs; he revived the integrity of Iran and the Persian Culture. Once more, he made the teaching of Persian Language, mandatory in Iranian Educational System.

Some believe that Yaqub is in fact the legandary "Kaveh" who liberated Iran from the Arab Caliph Al Mu'tamid-ol Bi-Allah of Abbasid whom represented "Zahak". Yaqub's Akhtar Kaviyani is revival of the original Derafsh Kaviyani. This is the official banner of Yaqub, Iran's greatest freedom fighter of all times.

Flag of Saffarid
Saffarid Dynasty: 867 AD - 1003 AD
Saffarid Official State Banner.

Saffarid Battle Banner
Saffarid Dynasty: 867 AD - 1003 AD

Flag of Shah Islamil I Safavid
Safavid Dynasty: 1501 AD - 1736 AD
This is the official flag of Shah Ismail I of Safavid Dynasty 1501 AD - 1524 AD. Shah Islamil I was starter of the Safavid Dynasty. During the Safavid era, once again Iran had become an Empire! Safavid reinstated the great Persian Empire.

Flag of Shah Tahmasb Safavid
Safavid Dynasty: 1501 AD - 1736 AD
This is the official flag of Shah Tahmasb of Safavid Dynasty. This flag has been used for 5 decades during the reign of Shah Tahmasb of Persia (1524 AD - 1576 AD). The reason he had placed a sheep on the official flag, was because he was born during the month of Aries, and the symbol of that month is a ram. After Shah Tahmasb's death, the sheep was replaced by a lion.

Safavid Lion and Sun Flag
Safavid Dynasty: 1501 AD - 1736 AD
This is the first re-appearance of Lion and Sun Emblem since Achaemenid Era. Shah Islamil II reinstated the Lion and Sun. This flag were used during Safavid Dynasty and during 1576 AD - 1666 AD period.

Flag of Shah Abbas The Great
Safavid Dynasty: 1501 AD - 1736 AD
The official state banner of Safavid during Shah Abbas The Great 1587 AD -1629 AD. Shah Abbas I, was the greatest Shah of Safavid Empire. This is the first appearance of the "Lion, Sun and The Sword" Emblem on the Persian Flag. If not the original designer, then surely Shah Abbas The Great was the original person who used the "Lion, Sun and The Sword" Emblem as the official state banner of the Second Persian Empire.

Flag of Shah Safi II
Safavid Dynasty: 1501 AD - 1736 AD
This is the official flag of Shah Safi II of Safavid Dynasty. This flag was the official flag of The Second Persian Empire (Emperaturiye Pars) during the reign of Shah Safi II (1666 AD - 1694 AD). The colors, were amazingly similar to the original colors of Derafsh-e Kaviyani, The Sassanid Banner! The Yellow, Purple, Red and White were back in style! Obviously Shah Safi had a retroactive state of mind!

Safavid Battle Banner
Safavid Dynasty: 1501 AD - 1736 AD
Safavid Qezelbash Military Tricolor Banner

Flag of Nader Shah The Great
Afsharid Dynasty: 1736 AD - 1749 AD
Flag of Nader Shah 1736 AD - 1747 AD. This flag were used by Nader, one of the greatest military minds and war strategists of the world. Nader has been named, Napoleon of Iran. This flag was used by Nader Shah in Iran's 18th Century colonial military campaigns. Nader was the greatest military genius of Iran. During Afsharid Dynasty, Iran once more, became a relevant Imperial Power. Even though Nader expanded the boundaries of Iran at its greatest, since Pre-Islamic period; yet, you cannot see a sword in Naderi Lion's hand and in Nader's Flag!

Flag of Ali-Qoli Shah The Fair
Afsharid Dynasty: 1736 AD - 1749 AD
This was the flag of Ali-Qoli Shah-e Adel (The Fair) of Afsharid Dynasty. This was the official banner of Ali-Qoli Khan (1747 AD - 1748 AD). The sword was back in the scene! The Lion and Sun is an ancient logo going back 8000 years all the way to Shush (Susa) Kingdom of Iran. The Sword had appeared during Shah Abbas Safavid reign. And from this date Ali-Qoli Khan had officially re-added the Sword to the Lion and Sun.

Afsharid State Banner
Afsharid Dynasty: 1736 AD - 1749 AD
The official state banner of Afsharid

Afsharid Tricolor Banner
Afsharid Dynasty: 1736 AD - 1749 AD

Afsharid Battle Banner
Afsharid Dynasty: 1736 AD - 1749 AD
The famous Afsharid 12 Striped (12 Khat) Battle Banner used to be waved in all major campaigns of Nader Shah, from India to Russia! This was the famous "Naderi Battle Banner".

Afsharid Courthouse Banner
Afsharid Dynasty: 1736 AD - 1749 AD
The official Banner of the Persian Empire's Imperial Courthouse during Afsharid Dynasty.
"Beyraq-e Darbar-e Shahanshahi-ye Emperaturi-ye Pars" (Beyraq-e Darbar-e Naderi).

Flag of Zand
Zand Dynasty: 1750 AD - 1794 AD
The Zand Green Striped Lion and Sun Tricolor Banner

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