Northern Cyprus Flag: History, Design, and Evolution
The visual identity of Northern Cyprus has evolved through various political transitions, reflecting the complex history of the region. From the early days of the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus to the official adoption of the current national banner, the flags used in the region have served as symbols of political aspiration and identity.
The Early Years and Previous Flags
The Turkish Federated State of Cyprus (TFSC) was formed on February 13, 1975, and existed until October 15, 1983. Interestingly, the TFSC constitution did not specify an official flag. Following the declaration of independence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)—a state recognized only by Turkey—the Council of Ministers met on November 18, 1983, to discuss a new national symbol.
The Council initially considered a design that combined the flag of Cyprus with the flag of Turkey placed in the canton (the upper left corner). However, this specific design was never implemented. According to the Flag Bulletin, the flag of Turkey served as the official flag of Northern Cyprus for the first four months of its existence.
Another design was considered by the Council of Ministers on November 17, 1983, though it also did not become the permanent national standard.
![Flag chosen by the Council of Ministers on 17 November 1983[9]](/images/2d/5a/2d5a6a3ebfe479a98b0bc6eaa49fe158de18730149d6e9c87b3c141a90b8a5f0.webp)
The Adoption of the Current Flag
On November 23, 1983, the government launched an open call for citizens, foundations, and establishments to submit flag suggestions, setting a deadline for December 3, 1983. The winning design was created by Turkish Cypriot artist Emin Çizenel.
This design was officially adopted on March 7, 1984, under Law No. 15 of the constitution of Northern Cyprus, with the Flag Law of Northern Cyprus being adopted on the same day. The design was formally published in the Official Gazette on March 9, 1984.
Although no prize had been promised for the competition, Emin Çizenel was awarded TL 100,000 on March 9, 1984. This amount was symbolic, as it matched the sum given to Mehmet Akif Ersoy in 1921 for writing the İstiklal Marşı, the national anthem shared by Turkey and Northern Cyprus.
The Proposed Flag of the United Republic of Cyprus
In an effort to settle the Cyprus dispute, the United Nations proposed the Annan Plan. This proposal sought to restructure the Republic of Cyprus into a federation of two states known as the "United Republic of Cyprus." In early March 2004, a committee composed of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots selected a flag for this proposed federation.
The proposed flag featured a Spanish fess (a horizontal band) consisting of three white-fimbriated lines in blue, red, and orange-yellow. The colors held specific meanings:
- Blue: Represented the Greeks.
- Red: Represented the Turks.
- Orange-yellow: Represented copper, the mineral from which the island likely derived its name.
The white fimbriation (the thin border separating colors) was not officially defined, but it was interpreted as a symbol of peace between the two communities. Under this plan, the current flag of Northern Cyprus would have remained as the flag for the Turkish Cypriot State within the federation.
![Flag of the United Republic of Cyprus chosen by a committee of Greek and Turkish Cypriots in early March 2004[19]](/images/49/f8/49f85fe7471a3b31f2b9eccb55677e198675cc5805ff420dc8ea33ca16f3ebef.webp)
The plan was put to a referendum in 2004. While 65% of Turkish Cypriots accepted the proposal, 76% of Greek Cypriots opposed it, meaning the plan and its associated flag were never implemented.
Key Facts
- Current Designer: Emin Çizenel.
- Official Adoption Date: March 7, 1984.
- Initial Flag: The flag of Turkey was used for the first four months of the TRNC's existence.
- Annan Plan Result: Rejected by 76% of Greek Cypriots in 2004.
- Symbolism of Copper: The orange-yellow stripe in the proposed federation flag represented the island's copper resources.
Flag Summary Table
| Period | Flag Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1974–1984 | De facto flag | Flag of Turkey used during the invasion and by the TFSC and early TRNC. |
| 1984–Present | Official flag | The current flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. |
| 2004 (Proposed) | Federation proposal | Blue, red, and orange-yellow stripes for the United Republic of Cyprus. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the current flag of Northern Cyprus?
The current flag was designed by the Turkish Cypriot artist Emin Çizenel and was officially adopted on March 7, 1984.
What flag was used before the current one was adopted?
For the first four months of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus's existence, the flag of Turkey was used as the official flag.
What was the significance of the award given to Emin Çizenel?
He received TL 100,000, which was the same amount awarded to Mehmet Akif Ersoy in 1921 for writing the national anthem, İstiklal Marşı.
What did the colors of the proposed United Republic of Cyprus flag represent?
Blue represented Greeks, red represented Turks, and orange-yellow represented copper. The white borders were interpreted as representing peace.
Why was the United Republic of Cyprus flag never used?
The flag was part of the Annan Plan, which failed after 76% of Greek Cypriots voted against it in a 2004 referendum.