The Lion and Sun Flag: Symbol of Pre-Revolution Iran

One of the most visible symbols in Little Tehran is the historic Lion and Sun flag.

This emblem represents Iran before the Islamic Republic.

History of the Symbol

The Lion and Sun was used in Iranian flags for centuries.

It became the national flag during the Pahlavi monarchy.

After the 1979 revolution, it was replaced with the current Islamic Republic emblem.

For many Iranian exiles, the Lion and Sun represents:

• Iranian heritage

• National pride

• Opposition to the Islamic regime

In Finchley, the flag hangs in:

• Restaurants

• Bakeries

• Shop windows