The flag of Egypt features three horizontal stripes of red, white, and black, from top to bottom. The red stripe symbolizes the blood of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation, the white represents peace and the purity of the Egyptian people, and the black stands for the oppression endured throughout history. At the center of the white stripe is the national emblem of Egypt, which consists of a golden eagle of Saladin. This eagle represents strength, power, and the Arab nation. The current design was adopted on October 4, 1984, but the colors have historical significance dating back to the 1952 revolution, which overthrew the monarchy and established a republic. The flag is a powerful symbol of Egyptian nationalism and unity​.