A NEW FLAG FOR A NEW REPUBLIC
A FLAG THAT TELLS ITS OWN STORY
Cyprus has suffered much turmoil and strife throughout the ages, and one of the most poignant times in recent history was when the island gained its much sought-after independence in the summer of 1960. Shortly after this, the newly formed Republic wanted a new flag that would represent peace and unity. They stipulated that their new flag would feature neutral colours and reflect the island’s new identity and values.
NO SYMBOLS OF WAR OR MILITARY
As a result, the new Cyprus flag that emerged features symbols of both peace and unity. It is still one of the few national flags that does not feature any symbols related to war or the military. This would become somewhat ironic years later. The island has remained divided ever since the Turkish occupation of the north during the summer of 1974.
A DEEP & MEANINGFUL REPRESENTATION
The flag of the Republic of Cyprus features its copper-orange map at its centre. This not only represents unity but also the island’s long association with copper. Indeed, the name of Cyprus itself derives from the Latin word for copper, ‘cuprum’. The white background represents a cleansing and a fresh new start. The two green olive branches symbolise the desire for peace and co-operation between the different Cypriot communities that once shared the island side by side.
A COMPETITION FOR A NEW FLAG
A NEW BEGINNING
The story of how the Cyprus flag came to be is a fascinating tale of political and social intrigue. The Republic of Cyprus was formed after the island gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960. This came after a brutal five-year struggle that was a bitter pill to swallow for many concerned. The new administration, led by Greek Cypriot Archbishop Makarios III and his Turkish Vice President, Fazil Küçük, immediately sought a new flag to represent their new independent Republic. It was decided that an island-wide competition would be the best way to find a new design.
A COMPETITION
Advertisements were placed in newspapers calling for all Cypriot artists to submit designs. The competition rules stipulated that the new flag should not represent any of the three greater powers that had previously claimed dominion over the island. This meant that red or blue would not be used, and the new design would not portray a cross or a crescent. Out of over 500 entries submitted, the flag design submitted by Turkish Cypriot schoolteacher Ismet Vehit Güney was eventually selected. His design specifically reflects the island’s complex history and its constant struggle for unity. His flag design was selected after he personally explained what it represented.
A REPRESENTATION OF PEACE & UNITY
In 1960, Cyprus became the first country in the world to show a map on its flag. This, along with the two olive branches, draws inspiration from the concept of unity after independence. He explained that he had chosen a white background to represent a cleansing and a new beginning for the island. He went on to explain that he chose the copper-orange map of Cyprus to represent the island’s history of extreme copper mining that also gave the island its name. The two olive branches represented both the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities living side by side, together in peace as Cypriots.
INITIALLY EMBRACED BY ALL CYPRIOTS
Officially adopted on August 16th, 1960, the Republic’s new flag helped to mark the beginning of a new era of independence and self-determination. This helped to mark a significant milestone in the island’s history. As well as helping to mark the end of British colonial rule, the flag’s design also initially embodied the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation between the different ethnic and cultural communities across the island. Initially embraced by all Cypriots for a time, it initially achieved its main goals of representation for all. This flag has remained a symbol of national pride, mainly for Greek Cypriots, ever since.
ANOTHER MILESTONE
After his design was selected. Ismet Vehit Güney received the princely sum of £50 and a letter of congratulations from Archbishop Makarios III. The flag designer later went on to design a new Coat of Arms for the new Republic. He also created a set of commemorative stamps and the Republic’s new currency. This included the first versions of the infamous lira banknotes. Controversy later surrounded the art teacher, however. This came after he made claims that he was promised a £20 annuity for the rest of his life for his designs that he never received.
A SYMBOL OF INDEPENDENCE, PEACE, & NATIONAL PRIDE
The flag continues to serve as a powerful symbol of unity and national identity for all Cypriots today. The Cyprus flag is a testament to the country’s rich history and the enduring spirit of its people. Its design reflects the natural beauty and resources of the island, as well as the unity and cooperation between its diverse communities. It still stands as a powerful symbol of independence, peace, and national pride for all Cypriots, even though the island remains divided.
ISMET VEHIT GUNEY
Born in Limassol July 15th, 1923
THE WINNING DESIGNER
Turkish Cypriot school teacher, Ismet Vehit Güney, entered and then won the competition to design a new flag for the Republic of Cyprus. His tri-coloured flag design still represents the Republic of Cyprus today. Born in Limassol on July 15th, 1923, he also went on to design the island’s new currency at the time. His childhood years were spent in a multicultural neighbourhood in Limassol, where Turkish, Greek and Armenian Cypriots all lived together. As a young boy, he would spend his time at a local signwriting shop, and this had a lasting influence on him. Encouraged by the signwriter, he would paint landscapes using oil paint in his spare time.
ART LESSONS AT A MILITARY ACADEMY
With the outbreak of World War Two, the wide-eyed seventeen-year-old joined the CYPRUS VOLUNTEER REGIMENT. He went on to serve as a corporal-translator in Cyprus, Palestine and Italy. During this time, he also took the opportunity to take art lessons at a Military Academy in Haifa called Mont Carmel. By the end of the war and at the age of twenty-two, he left the army and returned to Limassol.
A SOLO ART EXHIBITION
Held in 1947 at the British Consulate in Limassol, he would become the first Turkish Cypriot solo artist in Cyprus to open a personal art exhibition. He also opened a bookstore and joined the ‘Limassol Turkish Sports Club’, which was a meeting point for Turkish Cypriot intellectuals. There, he became interested in theatre and participated in several shows and other events. He began writing poems and stories and drawing caricatures, many of which were published in daily Turkish Cypriot newspapers of the time. These included Karstiklâl and Köylü.
A SCHOOL TEACHER FROM LIMASSOL
He taught fine art at the Turkish Boys High School in Nicosia after graduating as a fully qualified art teacher. He often collaborated with impressionist painter Ibrahim Çallı during the latter part of the 1950s. This collaboration produced works that would feature in several exhibitions. These works of art also won numerous accolades and several awards. He went on to achieve the Culture Art Service Award in 1986. Ismet Vehit Güney passed away on June 24th, 2009.
