Egyptian Flag Design And History Of Transformations

The Egyptian Current Flag Design

The current Egyptian flag was proclaimed on October 4, 1984. The flag has the Eagle of Saladin which replaced the Hawk of Qureish. The Eagle of Saladin is the national emblem and on the flag, it proudly stands in the middle of the red, white and black horizontal stripes.

Previous Designs Of The Flag Of Egypt

Whenever we hear “Egypt” is mentioned, you would often think of the Tutankhamun The Sphinx or the Great Pyramids of Giza. After all, Ancient Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations in the world that dates back to 3150 BC. The flag of Egypt also has a bit of history behind its design that you see today.

Lets us take you back on an almost 200-year journey of transformations on the Egyptian flag. Just as the country has a long, rich history, the Egyptian flag has its own fascinating story to tell. As a symbol of Egyptian pride and identity, the flag of Egypt has undergone many transformations in its design, colours and symbolism since its inception to the present one that was flown in 1984 for the first time.

Egyptian Flag  (1844 – 1867)

This Egyptian flag was introduced by Muhammad Ali Pasha. This flag was red in colour. It had three white crescents and three stars, which referred to Mohamed Ali’s victories in Africa, Asia and Europe, and his rule over Egypt, Sudan and Hejaz.

Egyptian Flag  (1867-1881) and again between (1914-1923)

This Egyptian flag design was used twice. The first time it was used was in Khedivate of Egypt (1867-1881) and the second time was during the Sultanate of Egypt (1914-1923).

Egyptian Flag (1922 – 1952)

In 1922, the British recognized Egypt’s independence. Sultan Fuad I, who was from the Muhammad Ali dynasty became King of Egypt and Sudan, Sovereign of Nubia, Kordofan, and Darfur. He had limited power as the British still had control over Egypt’s communication and legal systems, and foreign policy.

As the new ruler of Egypt, King Fuad I decreed a new flag. The cross was removed. Egypt had a new national flag which consisted of three white stars inside a large white crescent, on a green background. Green was chosen because to represent the country’s agricultural activities. The three stars within the crescent symbolized Egypt, Nubia and Sudan.

King Farouk I succeeded his father in 1936. He reigned until the Egyptian Revolution in 1952 when he abdicated. Egypt was declared a republic and Mohamed Naguib, one of the leaders of the revolution became Egypt’s first president in 1953.

Mohamed Naguib’s short term in office lasted until 1954 when he was placed under house arrest. Gamal Abdel Nasser, who also played a role in the coup, became Prime Minister, and later President in 1956.

Egyptian Flag (1953 – 1958)

When Egypt became a republic on July 18, 1953, the 1952 revolution flag became the Egyptian national flag. 

This flag had three horizontal stripes and the Eagle of Saladin in the middle. Red, for the struggle against the British; white, for the peaceful end to the monarchy; and black, for the age of oppression under the British and the monarchy. The eagle represents strength and power.

Egyptian Flag (1958 – 1961)

In 1958, Egypt and Syria formed the United Arab Republic (UAR). It adopted the Egyptian flag but two green stars replaced the Eagle of Saladin, to represent the two countries (Egypt and Syria). 

The political union ended in 1961, but Egypt retained the name until 1971.

Egyptian Flag (1972 – 1982)

Egypt had a new flag in 1972 when it formed the Federation of the Arab Republics along with Syria and Libya. This time, the 2 stars were replaced by the Hawk of Qureish, a symbol of Arab nationalism.

The Federation of Arab Republics was dissolved in 1977. In 1982, Egypt restored the gold and white Eagle of Saladin to the flag but retained the name until 1984.

We would love to hear your views in the comments below:

1- Which is your favourite flag?

2- Would you like to see the “Horus Eye” added to the flag?