The Tunisian flag rarely goes unnoticed. This flag composed of a red field with a centered white sun-disc containing a red five-pointed star surrounded by a red crescent is not just a distinctive visual icon – it also happens to have a fascinating story.
The Tunisian Flag — A Fascinating Story
After the Tunisian naval division was destroyed in the Battle of Navarino on October 20, 1827, Al-Husayn II ibn Mahmud, the sovereign Husainid Dynasty leader, decided to create a flag to distinguish the Tunisian fleet from other fleets.
Tunisia’s red and white flag, adopted as the national flag in 1827. It derives from Al-Husayn II ibn Mahmud’s naval ensign for the Kingdom of Tunis in 1831.
The current Tunisian flag was adopted on July 3, 1959. The flag is very similar to the original naval flag of the kingdom of Tunis that was used by Al-Husayn II ibn Mahmud, the monarch of Tunis in the 1830’s. This makes the Tunisian flag, according to multiple sources, the third oldest continuously used national flag in the world, right after Denmark and Austria.
The flag has a description that is an exercise in symbolism and history. The flag itself is bright red. There is a white disc, or circle, that is in the middle of the flag. The disc holds both a Crescent and a Star.
Red, the color of the flag is a traditional color that symbolizes Islam. It is also a symbolic of the resistance against the Turkish supremacy. The Red color does also represent the the blood of every Tunisian who was killed defending the country from the French invasion.
The five-pointed star symbolizes that all Muslims are united in their beliefs and are united with the Five Pillars of Islam. The Five Pillars of Islam are the meanings that each Muslim lives by. Each of the Five Pillars has a different meaning.
Flag of Tunisia — A Source of National Pride
It’s hard to travel around Tunisia without encountering the national flag. Naturally, it can be seen flapping proudly in city centers, on administrative buildings but you will also see it on the balconies of farms, on planes and in different other places.
If you would like to comment on this article or anything else you have seen on Carthage Magazine, leave a comment below or head over to our Facebook page. You may also message us via this page.
And if you liked this article, sign up for the monthly features newsletter. A handpicked selection of stories from Carthage Magazine, delivered to your inbox.
