Sarah E. ParkinsonNov 25, 2022

Have heard from an Iranian friend that the lion flag is actually being used by protestors as an alternative to the Islamic Republic flag (flag changed in 1980 after revolution, purge of leftists, & consolidation of Islamic Republic). So you have two parties, both at the World Cup, using it. I hope to hear from historians of Iran on the lion symbol's origins because I've always pretty strongly associated it with the monarchy

@politicalscience @histodons #WorldCup #mahsa

https://mstdn.social/@se_parkinson/109403341296334539

Sarah E. Parkinson (@[email protected])

Iran plays Wales today in the World Cup. Worth remembering: 1.) Each team has police from home country w/ it (general reason is to interpret fan behavior by, e.g., IDing racist symbols/subtexts & managing fans). They will be watching the crowds; 2.) Iran fans have held signs that clearly draw from on-the-ground protests ("Women, Life, Freedom"); some hold monarchist flags (w/ lion, from pre-1979 regime millions protested to overthrow). These aren't equivalent. #WorldCup #Mahsa @[email protected]

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BTW, the sun is always a female in Persian literature and folklore. I personally love this combination of an active, possibly ready to fight male lion with a supportive bright loving female sun as the symbol of my country! I think it's cute. The sword apparently was added after Islam (doesn't surprise me) and wasn't very original.
Nov 25, 2022 at 3:22pmWeb