Dear readers, as you may have noticed I have been posting and writing about Kurdish issues in Kurdistan and yet I have failed to post anything about Kurdistan’s Flag. As I woke up this morning to the first day of March, I realized that I have not written anything about this beautiful symbol that represents me and my people. Globally, each country has a flag and often in every corner you see flags flown high where it is visually seen by everyone who comes across it.
So what is so important about a country’s flag? Why do we even have a flag?
A flag is a symbol which represents a larger group. If you have traveled around you most likely have come across different flags; a coloured fabric which comprises of different shapes, patterns, writing, etc. Keep in mind that a flag generally can be made for any event but in this case only one flag can be made to represent a country. Flags are a symbol of unity among that country’s people, bringing them closer. It is a visual representation of the countries people and it distinguish it from other nations. With this being said, for example, if someone sees a Canadian flag, they will be reminded of a country called Canada and its people. But what about a Kurdish flag. What if one saw Kurdistan’s flag, would they know what country or group of people it represents?
Essentially, I believe that a flag is also a code of honour and pride as it unities its people and the Kurdistan Flag brings us (Kurds) much closer to each other whether we live in Kurdistan or abroad. Designs on flags stand for specific meanings relating to history and its people.I know that if you are Kurdish most likely you’re familiar with our own flag, but let’s review what the symbols and colours represent so that those who are unfamiliar can learn. Hopefully, this knowledge will be passed down to the younger generation and it would be a tool that can aid familiarizing all those who are unfamiliar with the country.
With that being said, lets begin. The Kurdish flag is comprised of 4 different colours (Red, white, Green and Yellow) and one symbol. When combined these colours and symbol represent a strong meaning that all Kurds take pride in.
Red: Symbolizes the blood shed of Kurdish martyrs and the struggle for freedom and independence.
White: The white colour in the middle represents peace and equality.
Green: The green represents the landscapes of Kurdistan and the countries natural beauty.
Yellow: The yellow symbol in the middle (the sun) represents source of life, freedom and it connects to the Kurdish religion. The sun always has 21 rays which represent the Kurdish new years that is celebrated on the 21st of March.
Not only did I want to write about the colours and symbol on the Kurdish flag but I really wanted to break down the structure of the flag. So I started researching and I came across the Kurdish Institution of Paris website and as I was browsing throughout be website, I came across a segment on the National Flag of Kurdistan. On that page there is a break down the flag section by section by Dr. B. A. Eliasi (1998). I thought it was important to incorporate pars of it in this article. Please see below his break down of the flag.
TRICOLOR FIELD: “The Kurdish flag has three horizontal bands. The upper stripe is red, the middle one white and the bottom band green. The width of the flag is two-thirds of the length.”
The sun disk of the emblem has 21 rays, equal in size and shape. The number 21 holds a primary importance in the native Yazdani religious tradition of the Kurds.
If you want to read more about the structure of this flag please visit the Kurdish Institute of Paris at http://www.institutkurde.org/en
