Overview
The flag of Jordan is the national banner of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It was adopted in 1928 and draws its basic layout from the banner used during the Arab Revolt of World War I. The design combines horizontal bands and a red chevron at the hoist, crowned by a distinctive white seven-pointed star. For general reference see official and historical sources.
Design and elements
Visually the flag is composed of three horizontal stripes and a triangular shape at the hoist. Key elements include:
- Horizontal bands: black (top), white (middle) and green (bottom).
- Red chevron: a red triangle based at the hoist extending toward the fly.
- Seven-pointed star: a white star set within the red chevron, with seven distinct points.
The color arrangement and the chevron are directly inspired by the flag associated with the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule; for background on that banner see Arab Revolt sources.
Historical context and symbolism
The Jordanian flag rests on the legacy of early 20th-century Arab nationalism and the Hashemite family’s role in the post‑Ottoman reorganization of the region. The pan-Arab colors—black, white and green—have been traditionally linked to historic Arab dynasties and movements, while red is associated with the Hashemites and the Arab Revolt. The flag’s origins are most often dated to the period following World War I, when newly emergent Arab states and administrations adopted variations of the Revolt flag as national emblems; military and diplomatic histories of the era provide fuller context at related historical collections and World War I studies.
Interpretations of the star and colors
The seven-pointed star carries several commonly cited meanings. Explanations offered in different sources include references to unity of the Arab peoples, the seven verses of the opening chapter of the Qur'an, or other symbolic groupings significant to Jordanian identity. Accounts vary, so summaries usually present these as alternative or complementary interpretations rather than a single definitive statement.
Use, protocol and notable comparisons
The flag functions as Jordan’s national and civil flag and appears at government buildings, public ceremonies and international representations. It is visually similar to other flags inspired by the Arab Revolt—most notably the flags of Palestine and some Gulf and North African states—yet the white seven-pointed star and the exact arrangement of colors distinguish Jordan’s version. Variants for military or royal usage exist in specific formal contexts, but the basic national design remains widely recognized as the country’s principal emblem.
Further reading and significance
As a national symbol the flag summarizes historical ties, political aspirations and cultural identity forged during a formative period in the region’s modern history. For detailed archival materials, manufacturing and legal descriptions, or museum holdings that display early examples of the Revolt flag and its successors, consult primary collections and specialized studies linked above.