As part of an effort to improve the image of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, modifications of the university’s symbol and logo have been done since 2010. The latest symbol and logo are as follows.
The fundamental form of the symbol and logo is similar to those sunflowers with one stem and two leaves. The flower petals are manifested in the form of classical Islamic style ornaments. The leaf on the left side visualizes the letter ‘U’, the stem means the letter ‘I’, and the leaf on the right side refers to the letter ‘N’ so that they can be read U-I-N.
The flower like symbol resembles the webs of the integration-interconnection between science and religion engraved in the mosaic icon on the outer walls of UIN buildings- adopted from the ornament of the Alhambra palace wall during the period of the Caliph Bani Umayyah in Granada, Spain, which covered the hilly areas. The construction of Alhambra palace was completed on the 14th century, during the period of Muhammad Yusuf 1333-1353, and the period of Muhammad V, Sultan Granada 1353-1391 in the dynasty of Nasar/Daulah Ahmar (1232-1492). The Ornament arts influenced a variety of buildings of the East and West civilization. This interconnection between the East and West (La syarqiyyah wa la gharbiyyah) can be interpreted as the vision and mission of UIN which is eager to repel the scientific dichotomy and move towards the integration and interconnection of scientific disciplines for the sake of the advanced civilization.
The Ornament motif is a combination between high-leveled artistic taste of the Islamic culture in the Middle East and European culture in the West which symbolizes the integration-interconnection. When closely observed, several ornaments in the UIN buildings have applied the use of two squares as they are the fundamental element in shaping the ornament.
The flower image was selected as the base form of the logo because it symbolizes beauty, fragrance, harmony, stability, and virtue. Allah SWT loves beauty and fragrance because He is the Majestic and the Magnificent. It implies that UIN will always bring peace and beauty to its surroundings and leave such fragrant trails during its operation. It can also be understood that UIN Sunan Kalijaga eagerly intends to instil the spirit and character of humanity that is rahmatan lil ‘alamin.
The golden petal is derived from a kind of precious metal which points out elegance, honor, splendor, eternity, immortality, loyalty, and devotion. It implies the sharpness of mind, the greatness of mind, virtuous mind, the brilliance of mind, and spirituality towards the excel and leading UIN Sunan Kalijaga. Elegance and richness are manifested in the form of in depth science, virtue, self-maturity, and local cultural wisdom. UIN Sunan Kalijaga aims to become excel and leading, but still remains refined and humble.
The green color on the leaves represents continuity, freshness, nature, and renewal. This color is a symbol of hope, progress, birth, welfare, fertility, and regeneration through the means of continuous innovation.
The green color also has a history of continuity for the transformation of UIN Sunan Kalijaga. Green also contains a religious message because in Surah Al-Insan (76): 21 and Al-Kahfi (18): 31, it is said that the inhabitants of heaven wear green clothes.