A FLAG THAT TELLS ITS OWN STORY
The flag of the Republic of Cyprus 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, however, as the island remains divided since the Turkish occupation of the north in 1974.
The design and colours of the flag were chosen to represent peace and unity on an island that had suffered much turmoil and strife. This came after the island gained a hard-fought struggle for independence in the summer of 1960.
Every element of the flag reflects the island’s identity and values. At the centre, the copper-orange map represents the island’s long association with copper, a natural resource that became crucial to the island’s economy throughout the ages. 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 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 Ismet Güney won the competition and his design would go on to represent the Republic of Cyprus till the present day. The school teacher, who was born in Limassol, on July 15th, 1923 went on to also design the island’s new currency. Becaming the first Turkish Cypriot painter to open a personal exhibition in 1947, he graduated as a fully qualified teacher in 1948. He then taught painting along with fine art history at the Nicosia Turkish Boy’s High School until 1977. He also collaborated with impressionist painter Ibrahim Çallı from 1956 to the end of the 1960’s, producing works that would feature in many karma and personal exhibitions, winning numerous awards. His caricatures were regularly published in Turkish Cypriot newspapers, such as Karstiklâl and Köylü and he was awarded the Culture Art Service Award in 1986. Ismet Güney passed away on June 24th, 2009.
A SYMBOL OF PEACE
The winning design was chosen out of hundreds of entries. Its design features a white background with a copper-yellow map of the island in the centre. Underneath the map are two green olive branches. The flag symbolises peace, hope and the country’s agricultural roots. The copper-yellow map represents an island of copper ore that also gave Cyprus its name.
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.
