Flags of Iraq

Flag of the Iraqi Kingdom 1921-1958
The colours for the flag were inspired by the poetry of Safi il-Deen Al-Hilli. The two seven point stars denote the then 14 provinces of the Kingdom.

Flag of the first Republic 1958-1963
The green colours represents the Prophet Mohammed's green flag, while the black is a reminder of the Abbasid's black flags. The white segment is in remembrance of the Ummayid's white flags. The red ring is a reference to the blood spilled in the Revolution of 1958. The new addition of the yellow colours is a sign denoting the Kurdish population of Iraq.

Flag of new Republic 1963-1991
Another change of power, another change of flags. Symbolism changed and the three green stars are to show intended unification between Iraq, Egypt and Syria. After the Baathist takeover of 1968 and the abandonment of the unification plans, the symbolism of the three stars changed yet again. The new translations was that the three stars point to the Baathist motto of "Unity, Freedom, Socialism".

Flag of Saddam Hussein 1991-
The words Allahu Akbar "God is Great" were added by Saddam Hussein prior to the start of the Gulf War. The intent was to improve an Islamic image.