Real Assyrian Flag
Historical Evolution of the Assyrian Flag
888 – 855 BC
Shamash God
The Shamash symbol, representing the Mesopotamian sun god Shamash (Utu), appears as early as the Early Dynastic Period (circa 2900–2350 BCE) in Sumerian art and iconography. The symbol is often depicted as a solar disk with four-pointed rays (sometimes enclosed in a circle) or as a winged solar disk in later periods.
In early cylinder seals and carvings, Shamash is frequently shown emerging between two mountains, symbolizing sunrise, with rays emanating from his shoulders — a motif that underscores his role as the god of justice and light.
The iconography evolved over time, especially during the Old Babylonian period (circa 2000–1600 BCE) and later Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian periods, where the symbol became more standardized.
Featured a representation of the god Shamash from the Tablet of Shamash, showing him sitting on his throne dispensing justice while clutching a rod-and-ring symbol.
The tablet was discovered during excavations by Hormuzd Rassam between 1878 and 1883.
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865-860 BC
Assur God
Gypsum wall panel relief showing Ashurnasirpal II in his chariot attacking the archers of the enemy. Above his horses is the emblem of the god Assur also shooting arrows (Copyright of The Trustees of the British Museum).
Assur is first positively attested to in the Ur III Period (2047-1750 BC) of Mesopotamian history. He is identified as the patron god of the city of Ashur c. 1900 BC at its founding and also gives his name to the Assyrians.
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911–609 BC
Assyrian Imperial Standard
The Assyrian imperial standard was a sacred military and political emblem, often featuring a winged sun disk, divine symbols, or animal figures atop a staff. It symbolized the power of the Assyrian king, divine protection from Assur (Ashur), and imperial dominance.
Used in battle and ceremonies, it served as a rallying point for troops and a representation of divine authority. Depictions of the standard appear in reliefs from Nineveh and Balawat, showing its significance in Assyrian warfare and state rituals.
While no complete standards have survived, artistic depictions provide insight into their design and symbolism.
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Pre-WWI Flag
Tur Abdin Design
Prior to World War I, Western Assyrians from the Tur Abdin region of Turkey designed an Assyrian flag consisting of a horizontal tricolor with the colors purple, white, and red, with three white stars at the upper hoist. The purple, white, and red bars represented the loyalty, purity, and determination of the Assyrian people, and the three white stars represented the three names or components of the Assyrian nation, Assyrians, Syriacs, and Chaldeans.
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This flag was used during delegation meetings with Assyrian politicians and Western powers post World War I. It was also in use by the Assyrian National Federation, later renamed the Assyrian American Federation and the Assyrian American National Federation, from its founding in 1933 until 1975 when they adopted the current Assyrian flag.
1914–1919
World War I Agha Petros Assyrian Flag
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During the First World War, the Assyrian volunteers commanded by Agha Petros used a red flag with a white cross. Agha Petros' personal standard was the flag of the Volunteers but made of silk, with a golden fringe added, and the words "Trust God and follow the Cross" written in Assyrian above the cross. “For the flag, Agha Petrus first used a cross.
Then he took as a basis the plumage of an eagle, that is, the ancient symbol of the god Ashur, and in the middle of the top he drew a circle and placed in it the ancient Christian symbol of the Church of the East.” - Vasili Shoumanov
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Circa 1918
Assyrian commander
Malik Kambar’s flag
A charismatic Assyrian leader, Malik Kambar Warda of Jilu, the son-in-law of Nimrod, appeared in 1918 with a new scheme as an alternative to the British plan for the Assyrians.
Malik Kambar created his own version of a flag, with a multi-cone star in the center and three stripes at the top, following the example of the French flag.
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A Pre-WWI Flag
with a Seal
A modern recreation of one of the pre-WWI Assyrian flags by Jorge Candeias, 15 February 2005.
1919-1920
Paris Peace Conference
Assyrian Delegates to the Peace Conference from the U.S.A.
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Circa 1920
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Circa 1920
Assyrian Apostolic Church
Grand opening of St. Mary's Assyrian Apostolic Church in Worcester, MA, USA.
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1922
Assyrians in Worcester
Assyrians in Worcester, Massachusetts celebrating July 4, year 1922 and holding the old Assyrian flag. Captain Dr. Abraham K. Yousef is wearing military attire and is standing with other Assyrian migrants from Mardin, Harput and Diyarbakir.
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Vladimir Beit David and Nimrod Assyrian Soccer Club - Tehran
His visit to a museum in France inspired him to connect with his Assyrian roots and ancient symbols.
1958
The Assyrian Athletic Association of Nimrod in Tehran was established on July 8th, 1958 under the management of Mr. Vladimir Beit David along with a small number of Assyrian youth who showed interest and ability in athletics.
1960
The symbol of Shamash featured on the left is used as a logo by the The Assyrian Athletic Association of Nimrod in Tehran.
1965
Assyrian New Year Stamps
Postage stamps celebrating the Assyrian New Year commissioned in Iran, designed by Vladimir Beit David.
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1965
Tpaqta B’yimma/Meeting the Mother
A book featuring artwork by Mr. Vladimir Beit David, created in 1965 showing the symbol of Shamash connected to a mother figure who is in deep thought.
“Tpaqta B’yimma/Meeting the Mother” by Yoshiya Peera Amirkhas
1968
Literary Association of Assyrian Youth of Tehran
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Circa 1960
The Assyrian Family Aid Association of Tehran was a group of women who organized to help those in need. They were established in 1926 in Tehran, Iran. They likely started to use the Shamash symbol in the 1960s.
The Assyrian Family Aid Association of Tehran
1968
1st Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA)
Congress in Pau, France
On April 13th, 1968, the Assyrian Universal Alliance was created as a worldwide organisation seeking to spread, uphold and enhance the Assyrian name in the world, to secure the human rights of the Assyrian people in their homeland and to attain an autonomous state in the Assyrian ancestral homeland.
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Layouts and suggestions were to be collected from across the world in order to be presented to the AUA Congress for approval.
This worldwide effort netted a large number of designs which were duly received and noted. Following meticulous consideration, a decision was reached in favor of one particular design which best captured the Assyrian essence from the past and the present.
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In the aftermath of the inception of the Assyrian Universal Alliance in 1968, a serious effort was undertaken by this organization to address the need for the Assyrian nation to have its own official national flag.
To realize this dream it was decided to appeal to various Assyrian artists and knowledgeable people, for the purpose of soliciting ideas and layouts on this important national task.
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1970
Literary Association of Assyrian Youth
of Tehran Calendar and 3rd AUA Congress
Featuring a cover with the Shamash symbol
Third Congress of AUA in Koln, Germany. July 24-27, 1970. AUA logo featuring the Shamash symbol.
