National Symbols of West Asia: Animals, Birds, Flowers & Trees

West Asia’s best-known natural symbols include Lebanon’s cedar, Jordan’s black iris, Israel’s hoopoe, Qatar’s Arabian oryx and the UAE’s Ghaf tree. But many animals and plants commonly described online as “national symbols” have no verified official designation.

This guide covers the national animals, birds, flowers and trees associated with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Where a symbol is cultural or unofficial rather than formally recognized, this is clearly indicated.

West Asian National Symbols at a Glance

Country	National animal	National bird	National flower	National tree
Armenia	Eagle & lion*	–	Forget-me-not*	–
Azerbaijan	Karabakh horse*	–	Khari-Bulbul*	–
Bahrain	Arabian oryx*	White-cheeked bulbul*	–	Date palm*
Georgia	Eurasian wolf*	Common pheasant*	–	–
Iran	Asiatic lion*	Nightingale*	Persian rose*	Cypress*
Iraq	–	–	–	Date palm*
Israel	Mountain gazelle	Eurasian hoopoe	Poppy anemone	Olive
Jordan	Arabian oryx*	Sinai rosefinch	Black iris	Mount Tabor oak
Kuwait	Dromedary*	Saker falcon*	Arfaj	–
Lebanon	Striped hyena*	–	Lebanon cyclamen*	Lebanon cedar
Oman	Arabian oryx*	Barbary falcon*	–	Frankincense*
Palestine	Mountain gazelle*	Palestine sunbird	Faqqua / Gilboa iris	Olive
Qatar	Arabian oryx	Falcon	Qataf	Sidra
Saudi Arabia	Dromedary*	Falcon*	–	Date palm*
Syria	Syrian brown bear*	Northern bald ibis*	Jasmine*	–
Türkiye	Gray wolf*	–	Tulip*	–
United Arab Emirates	Arabian oryx*	Falcon	Tribulus*	Ghaf
Yemen	Arabian leopard*	Arabian golden-winged grosbeak*	Coffee blossom*	Socotra dragon blood tree*

* An important cultural, historical or widely recognized national symbol, but a formal national designation could not be verified.

A dash means that no sufficiently established national symbol was found for that category. In several countries, popular online lists assign animals or plants national status without evidence of an official designation.

National Symbols of Armenia

Armenia does not appear to have formally designated a national animal, bird, flower or tree. The country does, however, use the eagle and lion prominently in its official heraldry.

What Is the National Animal of Armenia?

The golden eagle is often called Armenia’s national animal, but we could not verify an official designation. Armenia’s coat of arms instead features both an eagle and a lion, representing historic Armenian royal dynasties.

These are official state symbols, but neither should automatically be interpreted as a formally designated national animal.

The forget-me-not is similarly sometimes called Armenia’s national flower. It became the official emblem of the 2015 centenary commemorations of the Armenian Genocide, but this was a specific commemorative role rather than designation as Armenia’s permanent national flower.

National Symbols of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s Karabakh horse and Khari-Bulbul are powerful symbols associated particularly strongly with Karabakh, but their status differs from a conventional national-animal or national-flower designation.

What Is the National Animal of Azerbaijan?

The Karabakh horse is one of Azerbaijan’s foremost animal symbols and is regarded by Azerbaijani authorities as a national treasure, although we could not verify a formal designation as the country’s national animal.

The breed originated in the Karabakh region and is known for its endurance, agility and distinctive appearance. Preservation and breeding programs have made the horse an important part of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.

What Is the National Flower of Azerbaijan?

The Khari-Bulbul (Ophrys caucasica) is an important Azerbaijani floral symbol, particularly associated with Shusha and Karabakh, but we could not verify its formal designation as Azerbaijan’s national flower.

The orchid has acquired additional symbolic importance since the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and is widely used in commemorative and cultural imagery.

The European roller is sometimes identified as Azerbaijan’s national bird, but we could not find authoritative evidence supporting that designation.

National Symbols of Bahrain

Bahrain does not appear to have a clearly codified set of national animal, bird, flower and tree symbols. The Arabian oryx and date palm are nevertheless strongly associated with the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) is one of Bahrain’s most important native conservation symbols and is protected within the country’s reserves. It is frequently described as Bahrain’s national animal, although we could not verify a formal designation.

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) has been central to Bahrain’s landscapes and agriculture for centuries and is commonly presented as its national tree. Again, its cultural significance is clearer than its formal status.

The white-cheeked bulbul is sometimes listed as Bahrain’s national bird, but authoritative evidence for this claim is weak.

National Symbols of Georgia

Georgia does not appear to have formally designated a national animal or national bird. The Eurasian wolf and common pheasant are sometimes given these titles online, but authoritative evidence for either designation is lacking.

The Eurasian wolf (Canis lupus lupus) has a longstanding place in the wildlife and folklore of the Caucasus, but describing it as Georgia’s official national animal would be misleading.

The common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) has a particularly interesting connection to Georgia. Its scientific name refers to Colchis, the ancient kingdom on the eastern Black Sea in present-day western Georgia, from where pheasants were traditionally said to have been introduced to Europe.

This makes the pheasant a meaningful Georgian wildlife symbol, but we could not verify its designation as Georgia’s national bird.

National Symbols of Iran

Iran has several powerful natural symbols, including the lion, nightingale, rose and cypress, but we could not verify a modern official system designating them as the country’s national animal, bird, flower or tree.

What Is the National Animal of Iran?

The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is often called Iran’s national animal, but it is better described as a historic Persian symbol. Lions featured prominently in Persian art and heraldry, most famously in the historic Lion and Sun emblem.

Asiatic lions once occurred in Iran but disappeared from the country during the 20th century. Today, the only surviving wild population is found in India.

What Are Iran’s National Flower and Bird?

The Persian rose and nightingale are widely associated with Iran, but neither has a clearly verified modern designation as the country’s official national flower or bird.

The pairing of the rose and nightingale, known as gol-o-bolbol, has appeared for centuries in Persian poetry, decorative arts and literature, where the two often symbolize beauty and love.

The cypress is similarly one of the most enduring botanical symbols of Persian culture, appearing in gardens, carpets, architecture and art.

The famous Sarv-e Abarkuh is an ancient individual cypress in Yazd Province. It is sometimes incorrectly presented as Iran’s “national tree,” but Sarv-e Abarkuh is a particular tree, not a national tree designation.

National Symbols of Iraq

Iraq does not appear to have a clearly verified official national animal, bird or flower. Claims naming the golden eagle, chukar partridge and red rose are widely repeated online but poorly supported by authoritative sources.

Is the Date Palm Iraq’s National Tree?

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is one of Iraq’s most important natural and cultural symbols, although we could not verify a formal designation specifically naming it the national tree.

Date palms have been cultivated in Mesopotamia for thousands of years and became deeply connected with the region’s agriculture, food and landscapes. Iraq was historically one of the world’s leading producers of dates.

The date palm is therefore a far more defensible representative symbol of Iraq than many of the animal and bird claims found in online national-symbol lists.

In particular, we would not identify either the golden eagle as Iraq’s national animal or the chukar as its national bird without qualification, as reliable evidence for those titles could not be established.

National Symbols of Israel

Israel has one of the better-documented sets of natural national symbols in West Asia. Its mountain gazelle, hoopoe, anemone and olive tree were selected through public or institutional initiatives rather than all being established through legislation.

What Is the National Animal of Israel?

The mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella) is recognized as Israel’s national animal.

The species is native to the eastern Mediterranean and remains particularly important in Israel, which supports a significant portion of its surviving population. The gazelle has also appeared in Israeli cultural and conservation imagery.

Its national status followed the selection of other representative species as part of initiatives to identify natural symbols for the country.

What Is the National Bird of Israel?

The Eurasian hoopoe (Upupa epops) was selected as Israel’s national bird in 2008.

The choice followed a nationwide public vote organized as part of Israel’s 60th anniversary celebrations. The hoopoe won over several other native and migratory candidates.

With its distinctive orange crest, black-and-white wings and long curved bill, the hoopoe is widespread across Israel and was already a familiar bird before receiving its national status.

What Is the National Flower of Israel?

The poppy anemone (Anemone coronaria), known in Hebrew as calanit, was selected as Israel’s national flower in 2013.

The red-flowering plant is one of the most conspicuous features of Israel’s winter and spring landscapes, sometimes carpeting large areas with flowers.

An earlier public poll had selected the cyclamen as a representative national flower, which explains why some sources give a different answer. The later 2013 nationwide selection chose the anemone.

What Is the National Tree of Israel?

The olive (Olea europaea) was selected as Israel’s national tree in 2021 following a public vote organized by KKL-JNF.

Olive trees have been cultivated throughout the region for thousands of years and have major agricultural, historical and religious significance. The tree also has longstanding associations with peace through the symbolism of the olive branch.

National Symbols of Jordan

Jordan has three particularly well-documented natural national symbols: the Sinai rosefinch, black iris and Mount Tabor oak, all identified as national symbols by Jordanian government sources.

What Is the National Bird of Jordan?

The Sinai rosefinch (Carpodacus synoicus) is Jordan’s national bird.

This small desert finch occurs in rocky and mountainous landscapes, including around Petra and Wadi Rum. Males develop distinctive rosy-red plumage, while females are considerably more subdued in color.

Its association with Jordan’s rugged desert landscapes makes it a particularly characteristic representative bird.

What Is the National Flower of Jordan?

The black iris (Iris nigricans) is Jordan’s national flower.

Despite its name, the flower is usually a very dark purple rather than truly black. It is endemic to Jordan and flowers for a relatively short period during spring.

Its limited natural distribution and striking appearance have made it one of the country’s best-known native plants.

What Is the National Tree of Jordan?

The Mount Tabor oak (Quercus ithaburensis), locally known as Malloul, is Jordan’s national tree.

The species occurs naturally in parts of northern Jordan and elsewhere in the eastern Mediterranean. Its national status highlights the country’s native woodland heritage, which contrasts with the desert landscapes more commonly associated with Jordan.

The Arabian oryx is frequently described as Jordan’s national animal, and it is an important conservation species in the country. However, we could not verify an official designation comparable to those of Jordan’s bird, flower and tree.

National Symbols of Kuwait

Kuwait’s clearest natural national symbol is the Arfaj. Camels and falcons are deeply associated with Kuwaiti and wider Gulf heritage, but their formal national status is less certain.

What Is the National Flower of Kuwait?

The Arfaj (Rhanterium epapposum) is Kuwait’s national flower. It was selected as the country’s national flower in 2008.

This hardy desert shrub is native to Kuwait and produces small yellow flowers after periods of rainfall. It is well adapted to the country’s arid environment and has traditionally been used as grazing material and fuel.

Its selection as the national flower reflects Kuwait’s native desert ecology rather than introducing a more ornamental cultivated species.

The dromedary camel is widely associated with Kuwait and its Bedouin heritage, while falconry has similarly deep cultural roots. However, we could not verify formal designations of the dromedary as Kuwait’s national animal or the saker falcon as its national bird.

National Symbols of Lebanon

Lebanon has one natural symbol that stands far above the others in official and cultural importance: the Lebanon cedar.

What Is the National Tree of Lebanon?

The Lebanon cedar (Cedrus libani) is Lebanon’s national tree and appears prominently at the center of the country’s national flag.

The cedar has represented the region for thousands of years and is repeatedly referenced in ancient texts. Its durable and aromatic timber was historically valued throughout the eastern Mediterranean.

Today, surviving cedar forests are protected as an important part of Lebanon’s natural heritage. The tree also appears on the country’s coat of arms, currency and numerous institutional emblems.

The striped hyena is frequently called Lebanon’s national animal, while the Lebanon cyclamen (Cyclamen libanoticum) is sometimes described as its unofficial national flower. Both have strong associations with Lebanon’s native wildlife, but we could not verify formal national designations for either.

National Symbols of Oman

Oman’s Arabian oryx and frankincense tree are among its most recognizable natural symbols, although we could not verify formal national-animal or national-tree designations for them.

Is the Arabian Oryx Oman’s National Animal?

The Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) is widely regarded as a representative animal of Oman, but we could not verify an official designation specifically naming it the national animal.

Oman played an important role in efforts to restore the species after the Arabian oryx became extinct in the wild during the 1970s. Reintroduction programs subsequently returned captive-bred animals to protected areas.

The oryx therefore has particular significance to Oman’s modern conservation history.

Is Frankincense Oman’s National Tree?

The frankincense tree (Boswellia sacra) is one of Oman’s most important cultural and natural symbols, but its commonly cited status as the national tree appears to be unofficial.

Frankincense has been harvested in southern Oman for thousands of years, particularly in Dhofar. The region was once at the heart of an extensive trade network carrying the aromatic resin across Arabia and beyond.

The importance of this history is reflected in UNESCO’s Land of Frankincense World Heritage Site.

The Barbary falcon is sometimes listed as Oman’s national bird and jasmine as its national flower, but we could not verify authoritative national designations for either.

National Symbols of Palestine

Palestine has several well-established environmental symbols, particularly the Palestine sunbird, Faqqua iris and olive tree. These have been formally promoted as representatives of Palestinian natural heritage.

What Is the National Bird of Palestine?

The Palestine sunbird (Cinnyris osea) is the national bird of Palestine.

This small nectar-feeding bird is widespread across Palestine and neighboring areas. Males have dark plumage that appears metallic blue, green and purple under strong light.

Its selection carries additional significance because the species itself bears the name Palestine in English. The bird has become a recognizable symbol of Palestinian wildlife and biodiversity.

What Is the National Flower of Palestine?

The Faqqua iris (Iris haynei), also known as the Gilboa iris, is Palestine’s national flower. It was adopted as a national environmental symbol in 2016.

The iris is native to a relatively restricted area of the region and produces large, dark purple flowers. Its Palestinian name comes from Faqqua, a village near Jenin where the species grows naturally.

Its limited distribution also makes the flower an important symbol for native-plant conservation.

What Is the National Tree of Palestine?

The olive tree (Olea europaea) is recognized as Palestine’s national tree and is one of the most important symbols of Palestinian culture and agriculture.

Olive cultivation in the region stretches back thousands of years. The trees provide food and oil while supporting the livelihoods of many farming communities.

The mountain gazelle is sometimes described as Palestine’s national animal, but we could not verify a designation comparable to those of the sunbird, iris and olive tree.

National Symbols of Qatar

Qatar’s Arabian oryx has particularly clear national status, while the falcon, Qataf and Sidra tree are also widely recognized as natural symbols of the country.

What Is the National Animal of Qatar?

The Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) is Qatar’s national animal.

Once extinct in the wild across much of its former range, the species has benefited from captive breeding and reintroduction programs across the Arabian Peninsula.

Its white coat, long straight horns and ability to survive extreme desert conditions have made the oryx a particularly recognizable symbol of Qatar. An Arabian oryx named Orry was also the mascot of the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.

What Is the National Bird of Qatar?

The falcon is widely recognized as Qatar’s national bird and is deeply connected with the country’s falconry heritage.

Falconry has been practiced across the Arabian Peninsula for centuries, originally helping desert communities hunt for food. Today it remains an important cultural tradition in Qatar.

Rather than consistently identifying one species, Qatari symbolism often refers simply to the falcon.

What Is the National Flower of Qatar?

The Qataf, a native Limonium species, is widely identified as Qatar’s national flower.

The plant is adapted to the country’s harsh coastal and desert environments and produces clusters of small pink to purple flowers.

Its status is commonly recognized in Qatari institutional material, although the documentation for its designation is less explicit than for the Arabian oryx.

What Is the National Tree of Qatar?

The Sidra (Ziziphus spina-christi) is widely recognized as Qatar’s national tree.

Exceptionally well adapted to hot, dry conditions, the Sidra provided shade, fruit and other resources to communities across the region.

The tree remains an important Qatari cultural symbol today. The Qatar Foundation’s Sidra tree logo is one prominent example of its continuing association with knowledge, community and heritage.

National Symbols of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is strongly associated with the camel, falcon and date palm. These are major symbols of Saudi heritage and identity, although we could not verify formal designations establishing them specifically as the country’s national animal, bird and tree.

Is the Camel Saudi Arabia’s National Animal?

The dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) is widely regarded as Saudi Arabia’s representative national animal, but a formal national-animal designation could not be verified.

Camels have been central to life on the Arabian Peninsula for centuries, providing transport, milk and other resources in an environment where few large domesticated animals could thrive.

Their cultural importance remains considerable today. Saudi Arabia celebrates camel heritage through festivals, racing, breeding and conservation initiatives, and 2024 was designated the Year of the Camel by the Saudi Ministry of Culture.

Is the Falcon Saudi Arabia’s National Bird?

The falcon is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important bird symbols, but we could not verify a formal designation as the country’s national bird.

Falconry has deep roots in Arabian culture and remains a prominent part of Saudi heritage. Falcons continue to feature in festivals, competitions and cultural initiatives across the country.

The saker falcon is sometimes specifically identified as Saudi Arabia’s national bird, but the broader cultural symbolism of the falcon is better established than that particular national designation.

Is the Date Palm Saudi Arabia’s National Tree?

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is a major official symbol of Saudi Arabia, but we could not verify a formal designation specifically naming it the national tree.

A palm tree appears at the center of Saudi Arabia’s national emblem, above two crossed swords. Date cultivation also has deep agricultural and cultural importance throughout the country.

The Royal Jasmine is sometimes described online as Saudi Arabia’s national flower, but we found insufficient authoritative evidence for this claim and would not identify it as such.

National Symbols of Syria

Syria does not currently have a clearly verified set of official national animal, bird, flower and tree designations. The Syrian brown bear, northern bald ibis and jasmine all have meaningful connections with the country, but their supposed national status is poorly documented.

The Syrian brown bear (Ursus arctos syriacus) is native to parts of the Middle East and takes its common name from the region. However, we could not verify the widespread online claim that it is Syria’s national animal.

The northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita) has an important Syrian conservation history. A tiny colony was famously rediscovered near Palmyra in 2002 after the species had been considered extinct in the country. This does not, however, establish it as Syria’s official national bird.

Jasmine is one of Syria’s strongest floral symbols, particularly because of its longstanding association with Damascus, often called the “City of Jasmine.” It is reasonable to describe jasmine as a cultural symbol of Syria, but its status as a formally designated national flower could not be verified.

National Symbols of Türkiye

Türkiye does not appear to have formally designated a national animal, bird, flower or tree. The gray wolf and tulip nevertheless have particularly strong historical and cultural associations with the country.

Is the Gray Wolf Türkiye’s National Animal?

The gray wolf (Canis lupus) is widely regarded as a Turkish national symbol, but we could not verify a formal designation making it Türkiye’s national animal.

The wolf has deep roots in Turkic mythology, including origin traditions in which a she-wolf plays an ancestral role. Wolf imagery has consequently remained an important cultural and political symbol among Turkic peoples.

Is the Tulip Türkiye’s National Flower?

The tulip is one of Türkiye’s most recognizable floral symbols, but its commonly cited status as the official national flower could not be verified.

Tulips were cultivated and celebrated in the Ottoman Empire long before they became famously associated with the Netherlands. They reached particular cultural prominence during the early 18th-century Tulip Era, when the flower appeared extensively in gardens, decorative arts and architecture.

Claims that the redwing is Türkiye’s national bird and the Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) its national tree are poorly supported. We could not verify either designation and would not present them as established national symbols.

National Symbols of the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has several strongly established natural symbols. The falcon is the UAE’s national bird and the Ghaf is its officially designated national tree, while the Arabian oryx is one of the country’s foremost wildlife symbols.

What Is the National Bird of the UAE?

The falcon is the national bird of the United Arab Emirates.

Falconry has been practiced in the region for centuries and remains an important part of Emirati cultural heritage. Historically, Bedouin communities trained falcons to hunt in the desert, where food could be difficult to obtain.

Today, falconry remains prominent in Emirati culture, and the falcon also appears on the UAE’s national emblem. The saker falcon is sometimes specifically named as the national bird, although official Emirati material generally refers simply to the falcon.

What Is the National Tree of the UAE?

The Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria) is the national tree of the United Arab Emirates. It was officially declared the national tree in 2008.

The Ghaf can survive extremely dry conditions and has historically provided shade, food and other resources in the desert. Its ability to thrive in a harsh environment has made it a symbol of resilience and stability.

The tree gained further prominence when it was chosen as the symbol of the UAE’s Year of Tolerance in 2019.

What Is the National Animal of the UAE?

The Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) is widely regarded as the UAE’s representative national animal, although its formal designation is less clearly documented than those of the falcon and Ghaf tree.

The species once disappeared from the wild but has been successfully reintroduced to protected areas in the UAE and elsewhere on the Arabian Peninsula. It is now one of the country’s most recognizable conservation success stories.

Tribulus omanense is widely identified as the UAE’s national flower, including by Emirati nature organizations, but we could not verify a formal designation comparable to that of the Ghaf tree.

National Symbols of Yemen

Yemen’s Arabian leopard, coffee plant and Socotra dragon blood tree are highly distinctive natural symbols, but we could not verify formal national designations for the animal, bird, flower or tree commonly attributed to the country.

Is the Arabian Leopard Yemen’s National Animal?

The Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) is widely regarded as Yemen’s national animal, but we could not verify a formal government designation.

This critically endangered leopard historically inhabited mountainous areas across the Arabian Peninsula. Yemen remains particularly important to its history and conservation, although surviving populations are extremely small and difficult to document.

What Are Yemen’s Other Natural Symbols?

The Arabian golden-winged grosbeak (Rhynchostruthus percivali) is frequently called Yemen’s national bird, but authoritative evidence for an official designation is limited.

Coffee has a much stronger historical connection with the country. Yemen played a central role in the early international coffee trade, particularly through the port of Mocha, and Coffea arabica remains an important symbol of Yemeni agricultural heritage. However, calling its blossom Yemen’s officially designated national flower goes beyond the available evidence.

The Socotra dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) is similarly one of Yemen’s most recognizable plants. Endemic to the Socotra archipelago, its unusual umbrella-shaped crown has become an international symbol of the islands’ extraordinary biodiversity. It is frequently called Yemen’s national tree, but we could not verify a formal designation.

Why Are So Many West Asian National Symbols Unofficial?

Many West Asian countries do not maintain a formal system of national animals, birds, flowers and trees. In many cases, animals and plants became national symbols through history, heraldry, public votes, conservation programs or cultural tradition rather than legislation.

This explains why online sources often disagree. Iran’s lion, Türkiye’s wolf and Saudi Arabia’s camel are unquestionably important national-cultural symbols, but that does not necessarily make them officially designated national animals.

Other countries have much clearer designations. Jordan officially identifies the Sinai rosefinch, black iris and Mount Tabor oak as national symbols; Qatar identifies the Arabian oryx as its national animal; the UAE recognizes the Ghaf as its national tree; and Lebanon’s cedar appears directly on the national flag.

Distinguishing between these categories gives a more accurate picture than simply assigning every country four supposed national symbols.

Frequently Asked Questions

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