national symbol martyrdom Shi'ite Islam postage stamps coins 1979 Islamic Revolution flag redesigned in 1980 sword crescent Allah five pillars of Islam tomb Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini stained glass Battle of Karbala billboards 1980–1988 war with Iraq Iran petals
The tulip is the national symbol for martyrdom in Iran (and Shi'ite Islam generally), and has been used on postage stamps and coins. It was common as a symbol used in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and a red tulip adorns the flag redesigned in 1980. The sword in the centre, with four crescent-shaped petals around it, create the word "Allah" as well as symbolising the five pillars of Islam. The tomb of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini is decorated with 72 stained glass tulips, representing 72 martyrs who died at the Battle of Karbala in 680CE. It was also used as a symbol on billboards celebrating casualties of the 1980–1988 war with Iraq.
