The crescent and the star are not merely two silent guests of the sky; they are also ancient narratives embedded in the collective memory of civilizations, beliefs, and states. The coming together of these two shapes has come to represent not only a celestial phenomenon but also an identity, a power, and a sense of belonging.
Meaning from the Sky
The crescent-shaped moon and the multi-pointed star originated in the first cities of Mesopotamia; they were accepted in Sumerian and Babylonian mythology as signs of sacred beings. The crescent of the Moon God Sin and the star of the Goddess Ishtar held symbolic value not only for eyes gazing at the sky but also for the earthly authorities maintaining order. These symbols were found not only on temple walls but also on seals, coins, and crowns.
Emblem of Rulers
In Central Asia, the crescent appears as a mark of sovereignty. With the adoption of Manichaeism during the Uyghur Khaganate, the crescent shape became not only a religious reference but also an indicator associated with titles and rulership. The phrase Kün-ay tengri reflects a belief system that equated the ruler with celestial beings.
The Crescent in the Islamic World
From early times, the crescent motif found its place on the banners and seals of various political entities in the Islamic world. Seen on the flags of many states such as the Umayyads of Andalusia, the Fatimids, and the Mamluks, the crescent gradually came to be perceived in the Western world as the symbol of Islam. This perception became especially associated with the Ottomans from the 16th century onward.
Transformation of the Motif in the Ottoman Empire
Throughout the Ottoman period, the crescent and star appeared on various objects and surfaces. They were sometimes used together and sometimes separately in textile weavings, garments, architectural ornamentation, and works of art. These motifs, found on silk kaftans woven in Bursa and Istanbul, in mosque decorations, and in miniatures, existed both within the palace protocol and in daily life.
From Symbol to State Emblem
Following the 1683 Siege of Vienna, the association of the crescent and star with the Ottoman Empire became more solidified in Europe, and it began to acquire an official identity domestically as well. The two shapes started appearing together on cannons during the reign of Sultan Mustafa III, and prominently on the flags and seals of the Nizam-ı Cedid army founded under Sultan Selim III. A 1793 decree mandated the depiction of a white crescent and star on a red background on the flags of naval ships.
An Institutionalized Motif
With the reforms of Sultan Mahmud II, the symbol came to be viewed not just as decoration, but as a representation of the state and the military. In an 1838 imperial edict, the crescent and star symbolized the state, the coat of arms represented the army, and the tughra stood for the sultan. From this period onward, efforts were made to standardize the number of points on the star; in 1842, the five-pointed star form was adopted, giving the visual structure its final form.
The Crescent and Star in Daily Life
From the mid-19th century onward, the crescent and star began appearing not only on official documents but also on everyday items used by the public. Silver trays, coffee cups, women’s jewelry, and Çanakkale ceramics are among the objects that bore this symbol. This widespread use shows that the motif was not merely a political emblem but also carried aesthetic and cultural value.
From Symbol to Identity
The crescent and star are the visual embodiment of a meaning that descended from the sky to the earth. Over centuries, they have represented different forms of power, belief, and belonging. Institutionalized in the Ottoman Empire, this motif continues to live on today in the flag that carries the identity of a nation.
