Qatar is a Muslim state in the Middle East. What do its official symbols look and mean?
Qatar flag
The official flag of this Middle Eastern state is the narrowest and longest flag in the world. It has a rectangular shape, and its proportions of the width and length of the cloth are 11:28. The drawing is pretty simple. The flag of Qatar is vertically divided into two unequal areas of different colors.
Closer to the pole is a narrower strip of white. The second strip is approximately twice as large as the first; it has a brown or burgundy color. The border of the two vertical areas of the flag is uneven. It is made in the form of many triangular protrusions, creating the impression of torn edges.
The colors of the flag, as is customary in heraldry, have their symbolic meaning. The brown region refers to historical events, meaning blood shed for the honor of the country. White color symbolizes the present. He speaks of aspirations for prosperity, means the bright hopes and thoughts of the people of Qatar.
Flag history
The flag of Qatar was adopted in 1971, after the liberation of the country from the British protectorate and independence. Before this, there were several options for the official symbol of the state. The first version appeared in 1916 when the British crown began to control the country. Then the flag was also divided into two fields - one was white, the other was bright red.
In 1936, changes were made to it, related more to technical reasons. The red color faded strongly in the sun, so it was replaced with a darker one. The Arabic inscription “Qatar” also appeared on the flag. In 1949, the state flag acquired a modern look, but was officially approved only in 1971.
Triangular ledges on the border of two colors refer to an important historical event in the country. In 1916, a process began in the Persian Gulf, called the "Reconciliation of the Emirates." Qatar became the ninth country that took part in it, so exactly nine triangles are depicted on the flag.
National emblem
Together with the flag and anthem, the coat of arms of Qatar is an official state symbol of the state. His shield has a round shape. In the center is a yellow circle, inside of which the main composition is located: a sailing ship is sailing along the white-blue waves next to two palm trees. Under the ship are two crossed sabers.
A yellow circle is framed by a strip painted in colors that depict the flag of Qatar. The upper white part of the strip contains an inscription in Arabic. At the bottom of the brown color is the English translation of the Arabic inscription: State of Qatar, which is translated into Russian as “the state of Qatar”.
Sabers depicted on the coat of arms are the traditional weapons of Arab men. The same symbol is present on the arms of Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Waves are a sign that the state has access to the sea. This also includes a sailing ship. Palm trees symbolize native vegetation.