Shah of Persia from 1587. He expanded Persian territory by conquest, defeating the Uzbeks near Herat in 1597 and also the Turks. At his death his empire reached from the River Tigris to the Indus River. He was a patron of the arts.
The cross represents the Greek Orthodox faith. Blue stands for the sea and sky. The shade has varied over the years. White symbolizes purity. Effective date: 22 December 1978.