Emblem marking Great Arab Revolt centennial unveiled

AMMAN — The executive committee responsible for the Kingdom's celebrations of the centennial of the Great Arab Revolt has the emblem marking the occasion, the Royal Court said Sunday.

The emblem will be used in official correspondence throughout 2016, it said in a statement, adding that the revolt was "a pivotal historical event in defining the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Arab independence".

Several symbols depicting "the principles and journey" of the Revolt (1916-1918) make up the emblem. 

"The base of the emblem is an image of a book titled 'Awakening', which serves as a reminder of the Arab Renaissance, the epicentre of the Great Arab Revolt," the statement said. 

"The book is open, highlighting the chapters of history cherished by the generations, linking the past, present and future of Jordan, represented at the top of the emblem by the Great Arab Revolt, modern Jordanian flags as well as the Hashemite banner," the Royal Court added.

The central illustration of the emblem features "an authentic photo of Arab Army soldiers" holding the flag of the Great Arab Revolt. 

To the right and left are figures of mounted soldiers carrying the Jordanian flag and the Hashemite banner "in tribute to the sacrifices made to uphold the enduring principles of the Great Arab Revolt" — unity and independence.

The topmost part of the emblem outlines the shape of a crown, “reinforcing the connection between the legacy of the Great Arab Revolt [and] the formation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,” the statement said. 

“The emblem integrates colours inspired by the Jordanian flag, which is deeply rooted in Arab-Islamic history, and synthesises the banners of great Arab-Islamic eras,” the statement said.

Following the release of the emblem, popular and official ceremonies are planned to take place throughout 2016, celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Great Arab Revolt launched by Al Sharif Hussein Bin Ali, the great-grandfather of His Majesty King Abdullah.