National Flag of the Republic of Iraq (1991)

Originally adopted on the 31st of July 1963, the basic design of three horizontal stripes and three stars is very similar to the former flags of Egypt and Syria.

It recalls an unsuccessful attempt for the three nations to merge and form a single Arab republic.

The red-white-black horizontal striped design is based on the Arab Liberation Flag, introduced by Egyptian army officers involved in the 1952 coup d’etat, which overthrew the Egyptian monarchy. It has since been the inspiration for the flags of several countries in the region. 

On the 14th of January 1991, the Iraqi President, Saddam Hussein, included the words Allah-o Akbar between the stars.

The current flag dates from the 22nd of January 1991.

The Symbolic Meaning

Red, white, black and green are called the pan-Arab colours and have been historically linked to the Arab people and Islamic faith for centuries. They symbolise Arab unity and independence and can be seen in the flags of many countries in the region.

The three green stars recall Iraq’s unsuccessful attempt to unite with Egypt and Syria. Each star was to represent a country in the union. Today they represent Iraq’s desire for Arab unity.

The writing on either side of the centre star reads Allah-o Akbar (God is Almighty). Allah-o is written to the right of the middle star and Akbar to the left of the middle star. The text is said to be in the handwriting of Iraqi President, Saddam Hussein.