history of the symbol of the crescent and the star

RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS

• What is the history behind the crescent moon symbol?

• What does it symbolize or mean?

• How and when did it become associated with the faith of Islam?

Shafin Verani –October 2013

History

• Crescent moon and star were used during the time of Greek Empire to

represent their goddess ‘Diana’.

• Byzantine – Constantinople adopted the crescent moon as one of many of

its symbols and insignias.

Shafin Verani –October 2013

History

• Early Muslim communities did not have any symbol on its flag. They had solid color flags (Black, Green, White)

• With the conquest of Constantinople (present day Istanbul), in 1453 A.D, crescent moon and star became affiliated with the Muslim world.

Shafin Verani –October 2013

History

• After centuries of battle between the Christian Europe and the Ottoman Muslims, this symbol gradually became more prominent.

• Eight cornered start changed to 5 cornered star, representing the five pillars of IslamShafin Verani –October 2013

Muslim Countries Flags

ALGERIA AZARBAIJAN

COMOROS MALAYSIA

MALDIVES

MAURITANIA

PAKISTAN TUNISIA

TURKEY TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTANShafin Verani –October 2013