A century of humanitarian service
The history of the Red Lion and Sun is connected with efforts to relieve suffering, expand medical services and organize voluntary relief in Iran. This page introduces figures from that history before turning to the association’s work today.
Historical figures
People who shaped this history
From advocating for the Red Lion and Sun emblem to expanding medical and relief services: influential figures in the Society’s history.
Abdolsamad Momtaz al-Saltaneh
Early advocate of the Red Lion and Sun emblem
An Iranian diplomat involved in efforts to secure international acceptance of the Red Lion and Sun emblem.
Dr. Amir Khan Amir A’lam
Founder and Vice-Chairman
A physician and a central figure in establishing the Society, associated with its statutes and early organization in 1923.
Dr. Hossein Khatibi
Managing Director from 1949
Under his management, the Society expanded its network of hospitals, clinics, orphanages and relief centres.
Princess Shams Pahlavi
Chairwoman until 1978
During her decades as chairwoman, the Society developed its medical, charitable and relief activities.
The work today
Afshin Abdollahi
Chairman since 2015
With a background in relief, rescue and volunteer training, Afshin Abdollahi leads the Society’s present-day activities. The association Iranischer Roter Löwe und Rote Sonne e.V. was registered in Kassel, Germany, on 10 November 2023 under registration number 5749.
Leadership and professional backgroundHistorical images from the Society’s supplied archive, digitally restored with added captions removed.
The Red Lion and Sun emblem
The Red Lion and Sun was recognized alongside the Red Cross and Red Crescent in 1929. Iran replaced it with the Red Crescent in 1980. The Red Crystal was subsequently added to the protective emblems.
Archival illustration, from left: Red Cross, Red Crescent, Red Crystal, and Red Lion and Sun.
Historical sources: Encyclopædia Iranica — Red Lion and Sun Society · Hossein Khatibi · ICRC — Red Lion and Sun