Pan-Iranian colors

The pan-Iranian colours are red, white, and green, and sometimes gold or yellow. They have been used and continue to be used on the flags and banners of many Iranian countries and regions, including Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kurdistan. Rooted in an ancient tradition that became prominent in the Achaemenid Empire, the pan-Iranian colours and the similar patterns in which they are used symbolize the shared origins of the Iranian peoples.

History

According to the Avesta, the full free population of ancient Iranian society was divided into three classes, each of which was associated with a certain colour:

• Military nobility (Avestan: raθaē-štar) – represented by red, symbolizing military valour and blood and self-sacrifice in the name of high ideals, so it is considered the most revered and noble;
• Mobads (āθravan) – represented by white, symbolizing spirituality, moral purity, cleanliness, and holiness;
• Pastoralist-farmer community (vāstrya fšuyant) – represented by green, symbolizing nature, youth, and prosperity.

Current flags

Former flags

See also

• Pan-Iranism
• Pan-Slavic colours
• Pan-Arab colours
• Pan-African colours

References