history of the symbol of the crescent and the star
TRANSCRIPT
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