Cyprus Flag

On 16th August, 1960 the Cyprus Flag was officially adopted. The flag is consisted of an copper shaded island and green olive branches. The island signifies the name of the country Cyprus, meaning cooper in Greek. The green branches reflect the hope of peace between the Greeks and the Turks.

Cyprus Flag symbolizes the nationalism of this country. It represents the history of the struggle for independence from United Kingdom. It is the only flag in the world which contains the land area of the country. Before the introduction of this flag Cyprus used to hoist the flag of Greece and Turkey.

The design of the flag of Cyprus was selected as the result of a competition. The red and blue colors were not allowed to be used according to the Constitution as they are the color of the flags of Greece and Turkey. The use of cross and crescent was also prohibited. These elements were avoided by the competitors in order to make the flag neutral.

The design of Ismet Guney, a Turkish painter was made final. It was selected by Makarios III the contemporary president. The flag can be hoisted by state institutions, citizens and also by public corporations. Public bodies, corporations and state institutions can hoist it along with the Greek or Turkish flag. More than often it is only hoisted by the Greek Cypriots which is challenge for its claim to impartiality.

The flag in Cyprus is hoisted on special occasions such as independence day. It is a duty of the citizens to respect the flag.