A NEW FLAG FOR A NEW REPUBLIC
A FLAG THAT TELLS ITS OWN STORY
Cyprus has suffered much turmoil and strife throughout its recent history. The island had gained a hard-fought struggle for independence in 1960, and the newly formed Republic wanted a new flag to represent peace and unity. As well as this, they also wanted their new flag to feature neutral colours and reflect the island’s identity and values.
NO SYMBOLS OF WAR OR MILITARY
This meant that the flag that would emerge is one of the few national flags that does not feature any symbols related to war or military. Instead, it features symbols of peace and unity. This creates a somewhat ironic situation, as the island remains divided since the Turkish occupation of the north in the summer of 1974.
A DEEP & MEANINGFUL REPRESENTATION
The flag today still features the copper-orange map in its centre. This represents 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, and 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
After Cyprus gained independence in 1960, 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 newly independent Republic. It was decided that the best way to find a new design was to hold an island-wide competition. Advertisements were placed in newspapers calling for artists to submit their designs.
A COMPETITION
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 the 500 entries submitted, the flag design submitted by Turkish Cypriot schoolteacher Ismet Vehit Güney was eventually selected. This came after he explained what his design represented.
A REPRESENTATION OF PEACE & UNITY
His design, featuring the map of Cyprus and two olive branches, had drawn inspiration from the concept of unity after independence. He explained that he had chosen a white background for his design 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 Cyprus its name. The two olive branches represented both the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities living side by side, together in peace.
ANOTHER MILESTONE
After his design was chosen, Cyprus became the first country in the world to show a map on its flag. Ismet received the princely sum of £50 and a letter of congratulations from Makarios for winning the flag-design competition. Ismet was also later asked to design a new Coat of Arms for the new Republic, as well as a set of commemorative stamps and new lira banknotes. Controversy later surrounded Ismet, however, after he made claims that he was promised £20 a year for the rest of his life for his designs.
A COMPLEX HISTORY
The story of how the Cyprus flag came to be is fascinating. The tale of the flag not only reflects the island’s complex history but also its struggle for independence. Cyprus eventually gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960 after a brutal five-year struggle. Archbishop Makarios III, the newly appointed president of the new Republic of Cyprus, decided that an island-wide competition would be the best way to decide the new design for the flag.
THE WINNING DESIGNER
Turkish Cypriot school teacher, Ismet Vehit Güney, won the competition, and his tri-colour 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. The signwriter had a lasting influence on him as he would paint landscapes using oil paint in his spare time.
A SCHOOL TEACHER FROM LIMASSOL
Güney went on to become the first Turkish Cypriot artist to open a personal exhibition in 1947. He then graduated as a fully qualified art teacher a year later, teaching fine art at the Turkish Boys High School in Nicosia until 1977. He collaborated with impressionist painter Ibrahim Çallı during the latter part of the 1950s. This collaboration produced works that would feature in many exhibitions, winning numerous awards. His caricatures were regularly published in the Turkish Cypriot newspapers of the time. These included Karstiklâl and Köylü. He went on to achieve the Culture Art Service Award in 1986. Ismet Güney passed away on June 24th, 2009.
A DESIGN REPRESENTING UNITY & PEACE
The creation of the Cyprus flag was a significant milestone in the country’s history. The flag’s design embodies the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation between the different ethnic and cultural communities on the island. Officially adopted on August 16th, 1960, it has remained a symbol of national pride. All Cypriots on the island initially embraced it and for a time it equally represented all Cypriot communities on the island.
A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE & A POWERFUL SYMBOL OF INDEPENDANCE
The flag’s inception helped to mark the end of British colonial rule on the island and the beginning of a new era of independence and self-determination. The flag continues to serve as a powerful symbol of unity and national identity for all Cypriots. The creation of 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. The flag today still stands as a powerful symbol of independence, peace, and national pride for all Cypriots.
