The Jordan Flag, with its striking colors and deep symbolism, tells a powerful story of the country’s past and its aspirations for the future. First adopted on April 16, 1928, the flag represents the unity of Arab nations and the rich history of the region, particularly its role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the history, meaning, and symbolism behind the flag of Jordan, all while keeping things conversational and easy to understand.
The Design of the Jordan Flag
The flag of Jordan may appear to be a straight-forward design at first look, however it is actually loaded with meaning. The flag is made up of three horizontal stripes, the top and bottom stripe are black and the middle stripe white in color; the canton consists of a red chevron charged with one white seven-pointed star. There is a meaning behind every component of the flag, so it is more than just some attractive colours being mixed together.
The Black Band: The top band refers to the black flag of the Abbasid Caliphate, a well-known dynasty that led the Islamic world during an important era.
The White Band: The Umayyad Caliphate had been more expansive than the Abbasids, who the white strip in pierpont placarded, and therefore occupied a middle spot on the flag.
The Green Band: The lower green stripe represents the Fatimid Caliphate, which had been established in a major part of the Islamic world.
The Red Chevron: Symbolizing the Hashemite dynasty, Jordan’s ruling family, and hailing back to the Great Arab Revolt as a turning point in the region’s quest for independence.
Seven-Pointed Star: Emblazoned on the red chevron, this white star carries plenty of symbolism with it. It symbolizes the Arab people and the seven verses of the first surah in the Quran (Al-Fatiha). It is also said to represent the seven hills that create the capital city, Amman.
A Glimpse into the History of the Flag
Red, White, Black, and Green Stripes with Starred Triangle — The flag of Jordan has a design that represents the Arab Revolt during World War I. It was led by Sharif Hussein of Mecca, who wanted to gain independence from the Ottoman Empire. The flag of Jordan is based on the flag of the Arab Revolt, which was a revolt that played a part in the Great Arab uprising, and it has its Pan-Arab colors inspired by it, mainly black, white, green, and red.
The colors were chosen to symbolize Arab unity and shared heritage. Jordan became an independent state in 1946 when it was a British mandate and later retained the flag as a holdover of its history. Though the flag was used unofficially before, it would not become the official Jordanian national flag until April 16, 1928.
Symbolism Beyond the Colors
What makes the Jordanian flag truly remarkable is the intricate symbolism incorporated into its design. The black, white, and green stripes are more than just a combination of colors—they represent three significant periods in Islamic history known as the caliphates.
These colors correspond to the Pan-Arab palette: light green, black, red, white, and gold. These are the same Pan-Arab colors seen on the flags of other Arab states. However, the red chevron remains uniquely Jordanian. It symbolizes the Hashemite family, who have ruled Jordan since its creation and are direct descendants of Prophet Muhammad. The chevron also marks the Great Arab Revolt, one of the most monumental events in the struggle for an independent Arabia from Ottoman occupation.
The seven-pointed star is more than just a design motif. It represents a strong icon of unity and spiritual significance. In addition to symbolizing the seven verses of the Quran, it also stands as a statement of faith and humility, indicating a vision of better opportunities for a peaceful and brighter future for the Arab world.
Fun Facts about the Jordanian Flag
Similarity with Palestine’s Flag: The design is similar to Palestine’s flag, but a key difference is that Jordan’s red chevron contains the seven-pointed star, while Palestine’s does not. Both flags originate from the Arab Revolt during WWI but were later adapted to reflect each nation.
Flag Dimensions: The Jordanian flag follows a 1:2 width-to-length ratio, which is a common standard for national flags.
The Star’s Meaning: Besides its association with Islamic tradition, the star also represents the seven hills of Amman, adding a local touch to Jordan’s flag.
The Flag in Daily Life
The flag of Jordan is now a clear and proud symbol representing the unity of its people, visible at all governmental offices, homes, schools, and proudly held high during national celebrations. It plays a crucial role in showcasing Jordan not only to the world but also through the memories of its people.
The colors of the flag and its components evoke Jordan’s centuries-old history, its Arabic and Islamic past, and a commitment to Arab unity. When lit, the flame at the top is seen as a symbol of both the challenges and successes faced by Jordan and its people under their leaders.
The Bottom Line
The flag of Jordan is not only simply a tricolor — it is something more, encapsulating the history and predetermination of this country. It tells the story of the Hashemite kingdom, the Arab Revolt, and Jordan’s role in the larger mosaic called pan-Arabism. Every single element on the flag holds profound significance, from the black stripe symbolizing the Abbasid Caliphate to the seven-pointed star representing unity and faith.
This simplistic flag design has since gone on to inspire and unite the Jordanian people, standing as a proud statement of their long history and hopes for a peaceful, prosperous future. The next time you come across the beautiful flag of Jordan, you’ll understand what makes it so special.
