Chapter 1: Iran’s Pre Islamic Historical Flags and Emblems
Pictorial History of Iranian Flags
Book in 14 Chapters
2nd Edition: March 17, 2012
3rd Edition: July 30, 2023
Ahreeman X

Chapters Index
_____________
Chapter 1: Iran Pre Islamic Historical Flags and Emblems, Chapters Index, Introduction
Chapter 2: Iran Post Islamic Historical Flags and Emblems
Chapter 3: Qajar Imperial Court Flags, Meaning of Tricolor Flag, Lion, Sun and Sword
Chapter 4: Pahlavi Imperial Iranian Flags
Chapter 5: Pahlavi Imperial Courthouse Flags
Chapter 6: Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF) Flags and Insignias
Chapter 7: Imperial Iranian Navy (IIN) Flags and Insignias
Chapter 8: Imperial Iranian Army (IIA) and Imperial Armed Forces (IAF) Flags
Chapter 9: Imperial Iranian State, Cabinet and Organizations Flags and Insignias
Chapter 10: Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) Flags and Insignias
Chapter 11: Iranian Ethnic and Short Lived Republics Flags
Chapter 12: Iran Designer and Symbolic Flags
Chapter 13: Iran Political, State and Commercial Organizations Flags
Chapter 14: Iran Politics Club (IPC) Flags, Conclusion, Sources

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 the history as a dogmatic and classical academic subject; however, I look at the 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 and evolves by the passing of the time.

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 21st Century.

Differences between Transitional History and Scientific History

• The “Transitional History” changes by the 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 the 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. This is the second edition of my book with updated information and many new flags. 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

For more information about the 8000 years of the Iranian history read:

8000 Years of the Iranian History

Monarchs and Dynasties of Iran throughout the 8000 years of history

Pictorial History of Iranian Military Uniforms

Atlas of Iran Maps

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)

Susa War Horse Standard Emblem
Susa War Horse was a Pre Achaemenian and Post Achaemenian Susian Emblem
Susa War Horse was the official Susian Standard Top (Spear Top), Royal Crest and Administrative Emblem.
Susa War Horse Emblem become popular during the Susa Kingdom Era (3750 BC - 539 BC) and naturally dragged throughout the Achaemenian Era (559 BC – 330 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.

For more information about the Susa Civilization read:

Susa is not Elam; Susians are not Elamites, Semites or Hemites

For more information about the other Pre Aryan Iranian Ancient Civilizations read:

8000 Years of the Iranian History

Persian Winged Bull Iran Emblem

Persian Winged Bull Colored Iran Emblem

Persian Winged Bull

Persian Winged Bull is one of the “Persian Winged Guardians”.
Persian Winged Bull Emblem goes way back in time to the Ancient Civilizations Era (6000 BC - 2000 BC) and beyond. Persian Winged Bull is an ancient holy emblem of Iran. Persian Winged Bull is sacred in Ancient Aryan, Vedai and Zoroastrian philosophies. In the future I shall write a paper on the Persian Winged Bull and the complete subject of the “Persian Winged Guardians”.

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 was during 559 BC - 530 BC; however, by 539 BC he had built the Persian Empire. So the official starting date of the “1st Pars” was 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 the Achaemenids, Arsacids (Ashkanids) and Sassanids Dynasties of Iran.

Second Pars (1501 AD – 1797 AD)

Second Pars (2nd Persian Empire) started by Shah Ismail I Safavid on 1501 AD and ended by the reign of Aqa Mohammad Khan Qajar (Last Persian Emperor) on 1797 AD. Shah Ismail I (1501 AD – 1524 AD) was the reviver of the Persian Empire. Aqa Mohammad Khan (1794 AD – 1797 AD) was a worthy Shahanshah who maintained the integrity of the Persian Empire. Aqa Mohammad 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 territories 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) AKA IRI 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.

For more information about the 3rd Pars and Pan Iranism read:

Vision for Iran of Tomorrow

Pan Iranism and Islam (Pan Arabism)!

Persian Winged Lion Griffin Carving
Persian Winged Guardians Sect
Persian Winged Lion is an ancient emblem of the Persians during the Persian Kingdom and the Persian Empire. Persian Winged Lion Griffin was Half Human, Half Flying Beast.

Persian Winged Lion Griffin Carving Art Sculpture
Persian Winged Guardians Sect

Persian Winged Lion Griffin Art Emblem
Persian Winged Guardians Sect
Persian Winged Guardians are a sect of protectors for the Aryans.

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 (Avestan Persian)

Faravahar Persian Emblem
Colorful Spectrum Faravahar

Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds are the three elements of the 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 Doctrine. 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. All humans and elements of the universe have both good and evil in them and they must maintain a balance between the two or else the system of the universe collapses.

For more information about Zoroastrianism read:

Zoroastra and Zoroastrianism, The Real Story

For more information about Faravahar read:

Faravahar History and Art Galleries

Meaning of Faravahar, Derafsh Kaviani and Persian Colors

Persian Mythology, Gods, Goddesses and ……

Faravahar Persian Emblem – Black and White Version

Faravahar is holding The Ring of Power, which was 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.

Faravahar Persian Emblem – Modern Blue Version

Faravahar Persian Emblem – The Dark Faravahar

Achaemenian Persian Faravahar with the Cuneiform Spike Writing Banner

For more information about the Ring of Power read:

Pictorial History of Iranian Military Uniforms: Chapter 5: Achaemenian Uniforms 4

Pictorial History of Iranian Military Uniforms: Chapter 12: Sassanian Uniforms 2

Persian Mythology, God, Goddesses and ……

Simorq Persian Phoenix Emblem of Iran Banner
Simorq has risen from the ashes of defeat and revived herself back to the glory.

For more information about Simorq read:

Persian Mythology, God, Goddesses and ……

Persian Homa Griffin Icon
Persian Winged Guardians Sect
Homa is an ancient Persian mythical bird protector and transporter of the Aryans.
Persian Winged Guardians are a sect of protectors for the Aryans.

Persian Homa Griffin Logo
Persian Winged Guardians Sect

Persian Griffin Banner
Neo Persian Winged Lion Griffin design, popular in the late Persian Empire Era
Persian Griffin was Half Human, Half Flying Beast.

Persian Griffin Roundel
Neo Persian Winged Lion Griffin design, popular in the late Persian Empire Era
Persian Griffin was Half Human, Half Flying Beast.

Persian Griffin Roundel Art

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 the Aryans.

For more information about the Sun and Mitra (Ancient Persian Sun Goddess) read:

Persian Mythology, Gods, Goddesses and ……

Original Lion and Sun Emblem
Gold, Purple and Red were original Iranic Colors
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 Non Aryan Iranic Logo going back 8000 years.
The Lion and Sun emblem is the oldest Persian Aryan Logo, going back 8000 years.
The Lion and Sun Emblem shown here in this manner:
The Lion watches over Aryans from his quarters inside the Holy Sun.

Gold, Purple and Red Colors were original Iranic Colors going back way before the Derafsh Kaviani Symbol. These colors go back thousands of years in to the pre historic era.

Lion and Sun Emblem
Dark Version and Grey Version
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 shown 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.

Sun has old roots in Iran. Sun was not only a star but a Goddess. Mitra the Persian Sun Goddess was sacred and Mitraism was a global religion which started in Iran. That is how the Sun in the banner originated.

Mitra Persian Sun Goddess and Mitraism: Foundations of Christianity!
Mitra and Mitraism Pictorial History
Book of Mitra in 5 Chapters

Original Derafsh Kaviani
Pre-Avesta Era: 850 BC - 728 BC
The Kingdom Era: 728 BC - 559 BC
The original Derafsh Kaviani dates back to Pre-Avesta Era.
Legend tells us that a myth was formed in where the mythical Kaveh Ahangar (Persian Freedom Fighter) had raised this Derafsh against the oppression of Zahak (Arab Occupational Ruler). Kaveh raising the Derafsh Kaviani 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 Median King. Cyrus (Keveh) revolted against the oppression of Astiyak (Zahak) and ended the Median Kingdom’s reign by starting the Persian Empire. Others believe that Yaqub Leis Saffarid (Liberator of Iran) is in fact the legendary “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 Kaviani dates back to Pre-Avesta Era.

For more information about Derafsh Kaviani Banner read:

Meaning of Faravahar, Derafsh Kaviani and Persian Colors

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

Achaemenian Golden Eagle State Standard
Achaemenian Persian Golden Eagle Standard of Cyrus the Great 6 BC Iran Flag
The Achaemenian Persian Empire State Banner

Achaemenian Battle Standard
Cyrus the Great’s Achaemenian Battle Standard
Achaemenid Dynasty: 559 BC – 330 BC
Achaemenid Military Units used to carry this banner.

Achaemenian Homa Purple Banner
Achaemenian Persian Courthouse Homa Golden Eagle Standard Iran Flag

Achaemenian Persian Empire Homa Standard

Achaemenian Persian Empire Homa Battle Standard
Late Achaemenid Era Immortals Battle Standard
Persian Immortals Special Forces fought under this banner

Achaemenian Persian Golden Lion Emblem
The Royal Achaemenian Seal and Emblem of the Golden Lion
The Golden Lion Logo was also carved on the Achaemenian battle shields and was painted on the Achaemenian battle banners.

Persian Achaemenian Golden Lion Head Ornament Artifact from Ecbatana (Hamedan)
Persian Lion has old roots in the Persian culture, folklore and history
The Royal Achaemenian Court Seal and Emblem of the Golden Lion

Persian Achaemenian Golden Lion Head Artifact from Ecbatana (Hamedan)

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

Darius Lion
Persian Lion of Darius the Great from the Susa Palace at Louvre Museum
This is a Darius Style Lion which had appeared in the Persian Architecture and stone carving starting from the time of Darius the Great (522 BC - 486 BC). This is why it is referred to as the “Darius Lion”.

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 (Mitra the Ancient Persian Sun Goddess) 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 (Mitra the Ancient Persian Sun Goddess)

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.

For more information about Anahita, Mitra and Persian Goddesses read:

Persian Mythology, Gods, Goddesses and ……

Mitra Persian Sun Goddess and Mitraism: Foundations of Christianity!
Mitra and Mitraism Pictorial History
Book of Mitra in 5 Chapters

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

Derafsh kaviani with Jewels
Arsacid Dynasty: 238 BC – 224 AD
and
Sassanid Dynasty: 224 AD – 651 AD
Flag of Derafsh-e Kaviani, Arsacid Dynasty and Sassanid Dynasty
This famous symbol of Persian Freedom and Independence was used during 238 BC - 651 AD. Emperors such as Shapour The Great, Anushirvan, 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 kaviani
Sassanid Dynasty: 224 AD – 651 AD
Derafsh was the official Sassanian Banner. Gold, Purple, Red and White (hanging strings) were the Sassanian Derafsh colors. The original Sassanian Persian Colors were Gold, Purple and Red. Down the road the Gold and Purple had become the Persian Colors and Trademark of the Persian Royalty. Today the Gold and Purple are Persian Royal Colors and Persian Symbols.

Derafsh kaviani
Faravahar Top Derafsh Kaviani Banner
Sassanid Dynasty: 224 AD – 651 AD
Different version of Derafsh

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

Faravahar Top Derafsh Kaviani
Modern Version of Faravahar Top Derafsh Kaviani Standard

Neo Derafsh Kaviani Banner
Derafsh Kaviani with Faravahar top, Persian paisley sides and 4 corners of Simorq, Homa, Sun and Fire Zoroastrian Sacred Elements

Derafsh Kaviani Banner Iran Flag

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