Afsharid Empire Flags (1736–1796)
The military flags of the Afsharid Empire under Nader Shah, symbolizing Persian military dominance and expansion (1736–1796).
The Afsharid Empire Flag (1736–1796) was a distinctive tri-color war banner used by Nader Shah, one of Persia’s greatest military leaders. It typically featured red, white, and blue diagonal or horizontal stripes, sometimes incorporating a lion and sun emblem or a golden sword to emphasize military power. Nader Shah, known for his conquests in India, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, established the Afsharid Dynasty after overthrowing the Safavids. This flag symbolized Persia’s resurgence as a dominant military force, especially after the defeat of the Mughal Empire and Ottoman incursions. The Afsharid era was marked by military campaigns, economic reforms, and attempts to unify Persia’s Sunni and Shi’a populations.