Whenever we talk about ancient civilizations, Egypt is the country that pops into our minds. Owing to the dense history associated with the domain, Egypt makes the largest Arab country which has played an integral role within the paradigm of Middle Eastern politics in recent times. The flag of Egypt is a Tricolor flag with three equally proportioned horizontal bands of the colors red, white and black. This is based upon the Arab Liberation Flag of Egyptian Revolution of 1952.
There’s an eagle in the middle of the flag known as the Eagle of Saladin which happens to be Egypt’s national symbol since 1952. A symbol of Arab nationalism also serves as the national symbol of Palestine, Yemen as well as Iraq. The country’s flag has held immense importance amongst its people, along with the national anthem. Both of these represent the Egyptians’ identity, belief and pride throughout the country’s history.
History of Egypt’s Flag
The Egyptian flag has been through many transformations before reaching towards its current state. At first, the flag consisted of a single color, red, three stars and a crescent shape. Later on the colors were changed to green and the cross was excluded. The green color represented the agricultural activities in Egypt. Soon, this green colored flag was too, replaced by tricolor flag consisting of red, white and black colors with eagle of Saladin in the middle.
Further, this was also replaced by two green stars instead of an eagle once again. Additionally, in 1961the Hawk of Quraish replaced the two stars when Libya joined Egypt in the Federation of Arab Republics. Moreover, soon after 1977, after the dissolution of Federation of Arab Republics, the Eagle of Saladin was put back on the flag of Egypt, while the red color was made darker to make it distinct from other flags which were similar like that of Iraq and Syria.
Symbolism of Egypt Flag
The current flag of Egypt comprises of red, white and black horizontal bands. The color red, represents blood and sacrifices of Egyptian martyrs, while the color white, represents peace and harmony. The black color symbolizes the period of time when Egypt was occupied, a darker period of time. Lastly, the eagle symbolizes power, persistence and strength to deal with hardships.
The flag is raised in schools every morning where students and teachers are expected to pay tribute to its martyrs, dignity of the flag as well as spreading the message of peace and harmony. This is the moment when the Egyptians exercise solidarity amongst its nation. Without further ado, let’s jump into the fun facts about Egypt’s flag below.
Fun Facts about Egypt’s Flag for Kids
- The flag is used as a civil flag, civil ensign, state flag and state ensign.
- The flag was adopted in 1984.
- The proportion of the flag is divided between the ratio of 2:3.
- The eagle is also found in a castle in Cairo and used by many other Arabian nation’s like Palestine and Syria.
- White colour on the flag also symbolises hope for a better future along with peace.
- The color black symbolises the darkness in which most Egyptians were trapped in before 52 revolution.
- The symbol of an eagle on the flag of Egypt is known as the Republican Eagle and Egyptian Eagle.
- The symbol of eagle is present on both, the country’s flag as well as coat of arms.
- The cost of arms of Egypt consists of a shield which has the Banda and colors of the national flag.
- Interestingly, the nation’s symbol on the flag has changed quite a lot of times ever since the Republic of Egypt was created, however the main design stayed consistent.
- The flag of Egypt without the symbol is the flag of Arab Liberation which dates back to Egyptian Revolution of 1952.
- The eagle is the nation symbol of Egypt.
- The flag is hoisted on all government buildings during national holidays as well as every Friday.
- Abusing or disrespecting the flag by any means is considered as criminal offense which is punishable by law.
- The Egyptian flags which were used from the Ottoman empire to date are displayed in a queue at the country’s military museum.
On a concluding, there have been notable changes and versions of the Egyptian flag, and the current one went through a lot of hustle and bustle before coming the official, national flag of Egypt. The country has proper flag laws to which each citizen is expected to abide by.
Owing to the rich patriotism and idealism, people of Egypt take the flag laws seriously and pay their respects each time they get. Besides that, the darker colours theme makes the flag quite different from similar flag owning countries like Syria, which is important to do so, especially on a global platform to be recognised as a distinct nation.