History of the Symbol of the Crescent and the Star
1.
2. • 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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 Islam
Shafin Verani –October 2013