Syria’s current flag (red‑white‑black horizontal tricolour with two green stars) was re‑adopted in 1980, restoring the 1958–1961 UAR motif. Pan‑Arab colours denote Arab unity and liberation; the green stars historically represented Egypt and Syria in the UAR, later read as unity and socialism. Laws fix a 2:3 ratio, star geometry, colour specs, and protocol (precedence, half‑masting, dignified retirement). Competing flags have been used by opposition groups.
Syria’s national flag has changed with constitutional turns and union projects, but the present form—red, white, and black horizontal bands charged with two green five‑pointed stars—belongs to a lineage of Pan‑Arab symbolism stretching to the early twentieth century.
Ottoman Twilight and Arab Revolt Palette The red‑white‑black‑green palette draws from the flags of the Arab Revolt (1916) and literary symbolism of the dynasties (Hashemite, Abbasid, Umayyad, and Fatimid). In the mandate period and early independence (1946), Syrian flags alternated arrangements of these colours while political currents debated republic vs. unionist futures.
United Arab Republic and Aftermath (1958–1963) On 22 February 1958, Syria and Egypt formed the United Arab Republic (UAR). The flag adopted then—red‑white‑black tricolour with two green stars in the white—signified the two member republics and broader Arab unity. After Syria’s 1961 secession, alternative designs circulated; in 1963 a Ba‘athist coup revived unionist imagery.
Union Projects and Star Variants (1963–1972) With the formation of the Federation of Arab Republics (Egypt, Libya, Syria) in 1972, Syria used the tricolour with the golden Hawk of Quraish (as did Egypt and Libya). Administrative practice standardised ratio and armorial details, though variants were common in manufacture.
Return to Two Stars (1980) Law No. 2 of 1980 restored the UAR‑style flag: a 2:3 tricolour with two centred green stars on the white band. Decrees fixed star geometry (regular five‑pointed, equal spacing), colour references, and usage rules for ministries, armed forces, schools, and diplomatic missions. Half‑masting follows government order; worn flags are retired with dignity; desecration is punishable under penal provisions.
Symbolism
and Protocol Red denotes struggle and sacrifice; white a bright future and peace; black the Abbasid mantle and historical tribulation; the green stars, originally Egypt and Syria, later read as unity and socialism or pan‑Arab aspirations. Protocol details placement with foreign flags, vehicle mounts, indoor staff sets, and illumination for night display. Military colours and presidential standards adapt the base scheme with badges while preserving the tricolour primacy.
Contested Symbols Since 2011, opposition entities have flown the pre‑Ba‘ath tricolour with three red stars. International venues may see multiple Syrian flags; however, the state’s 1980 law defines the official national flag for embassies and organisations recognising the government in Damascus.
Continuity Despite contestation, the 1980 specification remains in force in state institutions. Through defined geometry, colour standards, and protocol, the banner expresses Syria’s official narrative of Arab unity and national sovereignty within the Pan‑Arab tradition.