The flag of the republic of iraq is composed of three equal rectangles, red, white and black, from top to bottom. The white center has three equidistant green pentacle stars. Red, white, black and green are pan-arab colors, representing the four dynasties of abath, umaya, fatima and hashim, the descendants of mohammed respectively. The four colors also have two meanings: red symbolizes valor, white symbolizes grandeur and nobility, green is the traditional color of Islam, and black symbolizes the victory of jihad against the crusaders. Red symbolizes revolution, white symbolizes peace, black symbolizes oil, and green symbolizes land. The three five-pointed stars symbolize unity, freedom and socialism. iraq became a british "mandate" in 1920 and became independent in 1921. A republic was proclaimed in 1958. The above national flag was adopted in 1963 and is still used today.