For all the time of its sovereignty Iraq managed to change five emblems. Not all of them were radically different from each other. However, these changes, although small, are worthy of separate consideration.
National emblem of Iraq
Any sovereign state has its own set of official symbols, which include the flag, coat of arms and anthem. In some cases, there are additional attributes of state power. Such as crowns of monarchs or presidential seals.
Understanding what the coat of arms of Iraq is will help to understand its significance for the political life of the country. In Iraq, this symbol is intended not only to represent the state in the external arena, but also to set the tone for domestic politics, determining the secularity or, on the contrary, the religiosity of the state.
The first coat of arms of Iraq appeared after gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire. Liberation from colonial dependence became possible thanks to the intervention of the British Empire. Perhaps that is why the monarchy, with all its inherent attributes, has become the form of government of the new Iraq.
The first - the monarchical emblem - has been in use for the longest time - thirty-seven years. The emblem of the kingdom consisted of a scarlet royal cloak crowned with a precious crown. Against the backdrop of the scarlet cloak, a round shield was placed, with a lion and a horse on its sides. At the feet of the animals lay an olive branch and cotton.
The coat of arms was to symbolize friendliness and commitment to peace and tranquility. Indeed, the Kingdom of Iraq pursued a fairly balanced policy, had good relations with major powers. It is worth noting that all these symbols and colors are borrowed from the European heraldic tradition.
However, prudent foreign policy did not protect the royal regime from internal turmoil. In 1959, the kingdom ceased to exist.
Symbols of the new republic
Following the liquidation of the monarchy and the proclamation of a republic, new state symbols were adopted. In order to dissociate itself from its predecessors at a symbolic level, the new government chose the most ascetic and expressive visual style.
The center of the composition was an eight-pointed red star, inside of which was placed a round shield with an ear of wheat in the middle. On the edges of the coat of arms there were inscriptions in Arabic and images of the local type of knives.
Such a coat of arms lasted six years, after which it was replaced by a new one.
Coat of arms of Iraq: meaning, description
From now on, the main element of all subsequent emblems of the state will be the Eagle of Saladdin, which occupies a central place on the emblem. And although subsequently changes will still be made in the coat of arms, all of them will refer only to insignificant elements, while the predatory bird will unwaveringly take its place.
The eagle is made in an extremely laconic graphic style, using yellow and black heraldic colors. The eagle rests on two legs, while its wings are widely spread. The head with a sharp beak looks to the left. The green ribbon under the feet of the eagle is decorated with an inscription in Arabic.
A shield painted in the colors of the national flag is placed on the chest of the eagle. Initially, the flag stripes were placed vertically, and three green stars were placed on the central white strip. In this design, the coat of arms lasted until 1991.
Adding takbir and the emergence of Islamic symbolism
In 1991, the flag stripes on the eagle's breastplate were turned horizontally, and inscriptions blessing Allah were added between the stars. From this moment, the emblem ceases to be exclusively secular, and manifests a Muslim orientation in public policy.
Such an emblem of Iraq lasted thirteen years and was supplemented in accordance with the new flag of the state adopted after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. The takbir font was changed with the intention of distance itself from the Arab world. At the same time, the Eagle of Saladdin is widely distributed in the heraldry of the Arab states and is present, including, on the flag of the Republic of Egypt.