Director: Hamed Siasirad
Cast: Ahmad Hashemi
Tarikhe Parchame Iran: Sargozashte Shir-o Khorshid is a 2026 Iranian historical documentary directed by Hamed Siasirad, tracing the centuries-old story of Iran's flag and the enduring Lion and Sun emblem that became one of the country's most powerful and contested national symbols.
What is Tarikhe Parchame Iran Sargozashte Shir o Khorshid about?
Over seventy minutes, this documentary traces the origins and evolution of the Shir-o Khorshid — the Lion and Sun motif — from its earliest appearances in ancient Persian art and royal iconography through the Safavid, Qajar, and Pahlavi dynasties, each of which shaped and reshaped the symbol's meaning. The film examines how the emblem moved from a royal seal to a national flag, what it represented to ordinary Iranians across generations, and why it remains a charged and emotional image for millions of people in the diaspora and inside Iran alike. Archival imagery, historical manuscripts, and expert commentary guide the viewer through this visual and political biography of a symbol that refuses to be forgotten.
Cast & crew
The documentary is directed by Hamed Siasirad, and features Ahmad Hashemi in an on-screen role — likely as a presenter or narrator guiding viewers through the historical material. The production draws on archival sources and expert perspectives rather than dramatic reconstruction, keeping the focus on primary evidence and scholarly context.
Context & significance
For Iranians living abroad, the Lion and Sun flag carries a weight that goes far beyond historical curiosity. It appears at protests, cultural gatherings, and community events worldwide as a symbol of a pre-revolutionary Iranian identity. This documentary offers diaspora viewers a rigorous and grounded account of where that symbol actually comes from — its royal origins, its religious and astrological layers of meaning, and the political transformations that eventually removed it from official use after 1979. Understanding that history helps contextualize why the emblem still stirs such deep feeling, and why its story is inseparable from the broader narrative of modern Iran.
Where & how to watch
Tarikhe Parchame Iran is available now on K-Time with original Persian audio. Stream it on the web, on your TV, or on your phone — no geo-blocking, no VPN required. Subscribe and cancel anytime.