Jordan Flag Meaning

Symbolism

History

1. 1916-1918: The Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule established the Pan-Arab colors and Hashemite symbols that would later form the basis of Jordan's flag design and national identity.
2. April 11, 1921: The Emirate of Transjordan was established under Emir Abdullah I, beginning Hashemite rule and the development of Jordanian national symbols and institutions.
3. April 16, 1928: The current flag was officially adopted by the Emirate of Transjordan, incorporating the Arab Revolt colors with the distinctive seven-pointed star representing Islamic faith.
4. May 25, 1946: Jordan gained independence from Britain and became the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan under King Abdullah I, with the flag representing the sovereign constitutional monarchy.
5. 1948-1967: Jordan controlled the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with the flag representing the kingdom's role as guardian of Islamic holy sites and protector of Palestinian refugees.
6. June 1967: After the Six-Day War, Jordan lost the West Bank to Israel but maintained its custodianship claims over Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, reflected in the flag's religious symbolism.
7. October 26, 1994: Jordan signed a peace treaty with Israel, with the flag representing the kingdom's commitment to regional peace while maintaining its Islamic and Arab identity.

Trivia

• Jordan's flag is based on the flag of the Arab Revolt led by Sharif Hussein of Mecca, making it one of the oldest Pan-Arab flag designs still in use.
• The seven-pointed star is unique among Arab flags, distinguishing Jordan's flag from other Pan-Arab designs and emphasizing its specific Islamic symbolism.
• Jordan serves as the custodian of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, a role represented by the flag's Islamic symbolism and peaceful intentions.
• The flag represents a country that hosts more refugees per capita than almost any other nation, including Palestinians, Syrians, and Iraqis seeking safety.
• Petra, Jordan's ancient city carved into red sandstone cliffs, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at 430 meters below sea level, lies on Jordan's western border, though this geographic feature isn't directly represented on the flag.
• Jordan has virtually no oil resources, making the flag represent a nation that has achieved stability and prosperity through strategic location and wise governance rather than natural wealth.
• The flag appears on Jordanian dinar banknotes alongside images of King Abdullah II and historical sites, connecting modern Jordan to its royal and archaeological heritage.
• Jordan's constitutional monarchy has provided remarkable stability in a turbulent region, with the flag representing continuity through multiple regional conflicts and crises.
• The flag represents a country where the King can trace his lineage directly to the Prophet Muhammad through the Hashemite dynasty, emphasizing the religious significance of royal rule.
• Amman, Jordan's capital, has grown from a small town to a major regional hub, with the flag flying over a city that hosts numerous international organizations and conferences.
• The flag appears prominently during the annual Jerash Festival, celebrating Jordan's rich cultural heritage that spans from ancient Roman ruins to modern Arab traditions.
• Jordan plays a crucial role in regional peace efforts, with the flag appearing at numerous Middle East peace conferences and diplomatic initiatives.
• The flag represents a country known for its hospitality and welcoming of visitors, with tourism to sites like Wadi Rum desert and Aqaba's Red Sea coast being major economic contributors.
• King Hussein, who ruled for 46 years until 1999, made the flag a symbol of moderation and stability in Middle Eastern politics, a legacy continued by his son King Abdullah II.