A FASCINATING STORY
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 DEIGNER
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. He also became the first Turkish Cypriot painter to open a personal exhibition in 1947. He then went on to graduate as a fully qualified teacher in 1948 and then began his career as an art teacher. He would later collaborate with impressionist painter Ibrahim Çallı from 1956 to the end of the 1960’s. His works went on to feature in many karma and personal exhibitions, winning numerous awards. He also produced several caricatures that were regularly published in Turkish Cyprus newspapers such as Karstiklâl and Köylü. He then taught painting along with fine art history at the Nicosia Turkish Boy’s High School until 1977. He was awarded the Culture Art Service Award in 1986. Ismet Güney passed away on June 24th, 2009.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.
