The True Flag of Iran, the Lion and Sun, is an ancient and sacred national symbol dating back to the twelfth century. It is not solely representative of the Pahlavi Dynasty, as a common misconception suggests, as its rich history predates the inception of that era. The flag was discovered on banners and used as a coat of arms to represent Iran as early as the fourteenth century. In the sixteenth century, during the Safavid Dynasty, the Lion and Sun first became a part of Iran's official flag. My cultural heritage and connection to this ancient symbol make this issue profoundly personal for me.

Today, however, this significant icon doesn't appear in most emoji keyboards, which are widely used forms of communication worldwide. Having the Lion and Sun symbol removed from these platforms symbolically undercuts Iran's deep-rooted history. Given the flag's status as a vital national symbol, its absence from such globally recognized platforms implicates a form of cultural erasure.

We call upon the responsible authorities in emoji design and distribution - Unicode Consortium as well as digital giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook - to correct this cultural oversight by reintegrating the historical Iran Lion and Sun flag into their emoji collections. By doing so, they will contribute positively to cultural diversity and understanding, reinforcing the idea that every country’s history and symbols matter. We urge you to sign the petition and aid in reclaiming our rich and valuable heritage.