The Imperial Order of the Lion and the Sun was instituted by Fat’h Ali Shah of the Qajar Dynasty in 1808 to honour foreign officials (later extended to Persians) who had rendered distinguished services to Persia.
In 1925, under the Pahlavi dynasty the Order continued as the Order of Homayoun with new insignia, though based on the Lion and Sun motif.
This motif was used for centuries by the rulers of Persia, being formally adopted under Mohammad Shah.

The order is abbreviated as KLS, for Knight of Lion and Sun.

The order was senior to the Order of the Crown.
It was issued in five grades.
The Imperial Order of the Lion and the Sun was instituted by Fat’h Ali Shah of the Qajar Dynasty in 1808 to honour foreign officials (later extended to Persians) who had rendered distinguished services to Persia. In 1925, under the Pahlavi dynasty the Order continued as the Order of Homayoun with new insignia, though based on the Lion and Sun motif. This motif was used for centuries by the rulers of Persia, being formally adopted under Mohammad Shah.
The order is abbreviated as KLS, for Knight of Lion and Sun.
The order was senior to the Order of the Crown. It was issued in five grades.
Order of the Lion and the Sun