TY - JOUR
T1 - The symbolism of the Arab flag in modern Arab states
T2 - Between commonality and uniqueness
AU - Podeh, Elie
PY - 2011/4
Y1 - 2011/4
N2 - The national flag, anthem and emblem are the three symbols through which an independent country proclaims its identity and sovereignty. Although each state has its distinctive flag, there are similarities in the flags of certain countries, such as in Scandinavia (the cross) and Africa (colours). These symbolise certain propinquity in terms of ideology, culture and history. Similarity is also to be found in the flags of the Arab countries: out of the twenty-two current members of the Arab League, ten share the same colours on their flags (green, white, black and red), while a certain Islamic symbol (eagle, star) in some flags represents the uniqueness of that country. Of the other twelve countries, most rely on one colour of the four (usually red or green) while nine use Islamic symbols (stars, crescent and sword) on their flags. In spite of the importance of this national symbol, the study of the modern Arab flag is almost non-existent. This article explores the modern evolution of the Arab flag and the reasons for the similarities in many Arab flags. In particular, it will deal with the pan-Arab flags of the Hashemites Kingdom of the Hijaz (1916-26), Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Syria and Egypt.
AB - The national flag, anthem and emblem are the three symbols through which an independent country proclaims its identity and sovereignty. Although each state has its distinctive flag, there are similarities in the flags of certain countries, such as in Scandinavia (the cross) and Africa (colours). These symbolise certain propinquity in terms of ideology, culture and history. Similarity is also to be found in the flags of the Arab countries: out of the twenty-two current members of the Arab League, ten share the same colours on their flags (green, white, black and red), while a certain Islamic symbol (eagle, star) in some flags represents the uniqueness of that country. Of the other twelve countries, most rely on one colour of the four (usually red or green) while nine use Islamic symbols (stars, crescent and sword) on their flags. In spite of the importance of this national symbol, the study of the modern Arab flag is almost non-existent. This article explores the modern evolution of the Arab flag and the reasons for the similarities in many Arab flags. In particular, it will deal with the pan-Arab flags of the Hashemites Kingdom of the Hijaz (1916-26), Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Syria and Egypt.
KW - Arab Revolt
KW - Arab flag
KW - Arab world
KW - Egypt
KW - Hijaz
KW - Iraq
KW - Jordan
KW - National symbols
KW - Nationalism
KW - Palestine
KW - Syria
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79953839274&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/j.1469-8129.2010.00475.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1469-8129.2010.00475.x
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AN - SCOPUS:79953839274
SN - 1354-5078
VL - 17
SP - 419
EP - 442
JO - Nations and Nationalism
JF - Nations and Nationalism
IS - 2
ER -