Flag of Libya – Wikipedia
The flag of the Kingdom of Libya was adopted when Libya gained full independence in 1951. It consisted of a white star and crescent on a triband red-black-green design, with the central black band being twice the width of the outer bands. The design was based on the banner of the Senussi dynasty from Cyrenaica, which consisted of a black field and star and crescent design, and was later used as the flag of the region.
Omar Faiek Shennib, Chief of the Royal Diwans, Vice President of the National Assembly and Minister of Defense under King Idris Al Senussi is credited in the memoirs of Adrian Pelt, UN commissioner for Libya (1949 to 1951) for the design of the original flag of Libya.[citation needed]According to Pelt:"during deliberations of the Libyan National Constitutional Convention, a paper drawing of a proposed national flag was presented to the convention by Omar Faiek Shennib [distinguished member of the delegation from Cyrenaica]. The design was composed of three colors; red, black and green, with a white Crescent and Star centered in the middle black stripe. Mr. Shennib informed the delegates that this design had met the approval of His Highness Emir of Cyrenaica, King Idris Al Senussi [later to become King of Libya]. The assembly subsequently approved that design."[3][yearneeded][pageneeded]
This flag represented Libya from its independence in 1951 until the 1969 Libyan coup d'tat. The symbolism of the star and crescent in the flag of the Kingdom of Libya was explained in an English language booklet, The Libyan Flag & The National Anthem, issued by the Ministry of Information and Guidance of the Kingdom of Libya (year unknown) as follows: "The crescent is symbolic of the beginning of the lunar month according to the Muslim calendar. It brings back to our minds the story of Hijra [migration] of our Prophet Mohammed from his home in order to spread Islam and teach the principles of right and virtue. The Star represents our smiling hope, the beauty of aim and object and the light of our belief in God, in our country, its dignity and honour which illuminate our way and puts an end to darkness."[4]
In 2011, interviews with Ibtisam Shennib and Amal Omar Shennib, Omar Faeik Shennib's only two remaining children, were cited as confirming Pelt's account of the origin of the flag.[5] Ibtisam Shennib recalled the morning her father brought a draft of the flag to the breakfast table and showed it to her and her siblings, explaining the original intent behind the selection of the flag's colours and symbols. According to Omar Faiek Shennib, "red was selected for the blood sacrificed for the freedom of Libya, black to remember the dark days that Libyans lived under the occupation of the Italians and green to represent its primary wealth, agriculture, [Libya once being referred to as the 'agricultural basket' or 'breadbasket' of the Ottoman Empire] and the future prosperity of the country. The star and crescent were placed within the black central strip of the flag as a reference to the Senussi flag and the role of King Idris in leading the country to independence".[3]
During the Libyan Civil War against the rule of Muammar Gaddafi, the 195169 flag as well as various makeshift versions without the crescent and star symbol, or without the green stripe came back into use in areas held by the Libyan opposition and by protesters at several Libyan diplomatic missions abroad.[6][7][8]The National Transitional Council, formed on 27 February 2011, adopted the flag previously used in the Kingdom of Libya between 1951 and 1969 as the "emblem of the Libyan Republic".[9][10] The flag was officially defined in article three of the Libyan Draft Constitutional Charter for the TransitionalStage:
The national flag shall have the following shape and dimensions:
Its length shall be double its width, its shall be divided into three parallel coloured stripes, the uppermost being red, the centre black and lowest green, the black stripe shall be equal in area to the other two stripes together and shall bear in its centre a white crescent, between the two extremities of which there shall be a fivepointed white star.
On 10 March 2011, France was the first country to recognise the council as the official government of Libya, as well as the first to allow the Libyan embassy staff to raise the flag.[11] On 21 March, the flag was flown by the Permanent Mission of Libya to the United Nations and appeared on their official website,[12][13] and thereafter in late August by the Arab League[14] and by Libya's own telecommunications authority,[15] the Libya Telecom & Technology, on its own website. In the following months many other Libyan embassies replaced the green flag of Gaddafi with the tricolour flag.
This original flag of Libya is now the only flag used by the United Nations to represent Libya, according to the following UN statement: "Following the adoption by the General Assembly of resolution 66/1, the Permanent Mission of Libya to the United Nations formally notified the United Nations of a Declaration by the National Transitional Council of 3 August 2011 changing the official name of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to 'Libya' as well as a decision to change Libya's national flag to the original."[16] All Libyan diplomatic posts, such as embassies and consulates, use the original flag of Libya.
The flag of Libya is described in Article 7 of the Constitution of 7 October 1951. It was officially adopted on 24 December 1951. The passage from the constitution reads:
Chapter 1, Article 7: The national flag shall have the following dimensions: Its length shall be twice its breadth, it shall be divided into three parallel coloured stripes, the uppermost being red, the centre black and the lowest green, the black stripe shall be equal in area to the two other stripes combined and shall bear in its centre a white crescent, between the two extremities of which there shall be a five-pointed white star.
Both the precise shade and legal construction is described in a booklet issued by the Ministry of Information and Guidance of the Kingdom of Libya in 1951.[17] The passage reads:
The exact particulars of the Libyan National Flag prescribed by Article 7 of the Constitution shall be as follows: The red shall be sign red, and the green permanent green. The Crescent shall be on the hoistward side of the star, and the centre of the circle of which the crescent forms a part shall be in the centre of the flag. The star shall be in the open end of the crescent and one point of the star shall point to the centre of the circle. The maximum width of the 270 crescent shall equal 16 of its outside diameter which is 14 of the width of the flag. The distance between the tips of the crescent shall equal that between the uppermost and lowermost point of the star measured along a perpendicular forming the hoistward sides of these two points. The perpendicular shall form a tangent to the outside circumference of the crescent at a point equidistant from the top and bottom of the flag.
The name "Libya" was introduced during colonisation by Italy in 1934.Before 1911, the Ottoman vilayet of Tripolitania (the "kingdom of Tripoli") included much of the same territory as modern Libya.
The short-lived Tripolitanian Republic in western Libya had its own flag, which had a light blue field and a green palm tree in the center, with a white star on top of it.[18] It was unilaterally declared in 1918 and claimed sovereignty over the entire former vilayet, but never had full de facto governance.
From 1934 to 1943, Libya was an Italian colony and adopted the flag of the Kingdom of Italy.
The areas of Libya under British military administration (Cyrenaica 19421949 and Tripolitania 19431951) did not have their own flag and thus, used the Union flag of the United Kingdom.
During the French Administration of the former Southern Military Territory, Fezzan-Ghadames had a red flag with a crescent and star, very similar to the flag of Turkey.
During World War II, Italian Libya was occupied by France and the United Kingdom. The Cyrenaica Emirate was declared in British-occupied Cyrenaica in 1949 with the backing of the British authorities. The "Emir of Cyrenaica", Idris of Libya, kept the emirate's flag which derives from flag of Turkey (a white crescent and star on a black background) as his personal flag after he became king of Libya in 1951.
Following the coup d'tat of 1969, the flag was replaced by the Pan-Arab red-white-black tricolour of the Arab Liberation Flag, first flown after the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 (which also formed the basis of the flags of Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen).
In 1972 when Libya joined the Federation of Arab Republics its flag was adopted by the country, linking it to Egypt and Syria. It featured a golden hawk (the "Hawk of Qureish"), holding a scroll with the Arabic name of the Federation.[19]
The flag of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya was adopted on 11 November 1977 and consisted of a green field. It was the only national flag in the world with just one colour and no design, insignia, or other details.[20] It was chosen by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to symbolise his political philosophy (after his Green Book).[21]
The green colour traditionally symbolises Islam, reflecting the historical green banners of the Fatimid Caliphate. In Libya, green was also a colour traditionally used to represent the Tripolitania region.
British Military Administration (19421951)
Kingdom of Libya (19511969)
Libyan Arab Republic (19691972)
Federation of Arab Republics (19721977)
Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (19772011)
State of Libya (2011present)
See original here:
Flag of Libya - Wikipedia
- Italy and Greece sound the alarm over Libya. But allies arent rushing to help. - politico.eu - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- EU mission in Libya urges all parties to deescalate amid military buildup news in Tripoli - The Libya Observer - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libyan citizen Othman Al-Zaalouk released after detention in Istanbul - The Libya Observer - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libya files first official complaint to UN against Greece over eastern Mediterranean rights - Trkiye Today - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libyas GNU signs agreement with Turkey to enhance military capabilities - The Libya Observer - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libya: UN urges restraint as military buildup threatens renewed violence in Tripoli - UN News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece to suspend asylum applications of migrants from Libya - DW - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Trump Hits More Nations With Tariff Letters Including Libya, Iraq and the Philippines - The Wall Street Journal - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Photos show migrants intercepted near Crete arrive at the Greek port of Lavrio from Libya - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Shell and BP return to Libya in potential boost for tanker demand - Tradewinds News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- As tensions escalate, what is Libya's next course of action? | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece blocks asylum claims for migrants on island of Crete after a surge in arrivals from Libya - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Hundreds of migrants moved to Greek mainland as Crete struggles with Libya arrivals - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Exclusive: EU delegation ejected from Libya after diplomatic 'trap', source tells Euronews - MSN - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Expulsion of European delegation: A prelude to further escalation - The Libya Observer - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- BP to reopen office in Libya, Shell discusses prospects for cooperation in oil field development - Libya Herald - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Behind the scenes: Khalifa Haftar's son scuppered EU visit to eastern Libya - EUobserver - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- EU migration delegation ordered deported from eastern Libya on alleged entry violations - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Libya's eastern-based government bars entry of EU migration commissioner, three ministers - Reuters - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Clarification on Trademark Renewal and Re-registration Procedures in Libya - Inventa - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Photos show migrants intercepted near Crete arrive at the Greek port of Lavrio from Libya - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Where do we go from here with Libya? - eKathimerini.com - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece Gets Tougher on Migrants, Will Detain Arrivals from Libya - The National Herald - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Trump Hits Libya With 30% Tariff, Urges Country To Bring More Manufacturing To The US - Stocktwits - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece Moves to End Asylum Claims for All Maritime Migrants From Libya - The Maritime Executive - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Now The Trump Administration Travel Affected Global Travel And It Impact on Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Venezuela, and North Korea: Know The... - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Photos show migrants intercepted near Crete arrive at the Greek port of Lavrio from Libya - WRAL.com - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- EU delegation forced to leave eastern Libya - InfoMigrants - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Prosecutors reveal toll of Tripoli clashes this year - The Libya Observer - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Athens adopts measured response to recent diplomatic incident with Libya - eKathimerini.com - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- More than 1,200 migrants arrive in Crete amid influx from Libya - MSN - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Libya Passenger Car Industry to Witness Strong Growth, Expected - openPR.com - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- BP, Shell eye return to Libya with fresh oilfield study deals - Quantum Commodity Intelligence - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- BP to Explore Oil Development Opportunities in Libya with National Oil Company - MarketScreener - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- BP and Shell to explore oilfield prospects in Libya - Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBI - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Greece detains 1,200 migrants in three days as arrivals from Libya surge - The Independent - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Libya extends condolences to US over Texas flood tragedy - The Libya Observer - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Al-Sisi calls for unified efforts to hold elections in Libya, urges withdrawal of foreign forces - Daily News Egypt - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- UNSMIL calls for investigation into death of government critic - The Libya Observer - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Is a friendly in Libya coming? Bara would have already reached an agreement - FC Barcelona Noticias - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Big Oil Bids in Libya's First Exploration Tender in 18 Years - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Trkiye rejects EU declaration over deal with Libya | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Fresh pushback from Ankara over opposition to Turkey-Libya marine borders deal - eKathimerini.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Egypt hosts secret talks between Sudan's Burhan and Libya's Haftar in bid to mend ties, sources say - Middle East Eye - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Libya's Energy Exploration Tender: Chevron and TotalEnergies Among Key Contenders - News and Statistics - IndexBox - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Greek PM Mitsotakis and Commissioner Brunner Discuss Curbing Migrant Flows from Libya - tovima.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- How LA 2028 And U.S. Security Policy Are Disrupting Global Travel: Impact On Iran, Haiti, Libya, Senegal, And Venezuela, Here Is What You Need To Know... - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Libya: Battling conditions with organic growing - Hortidaily - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Trump Advisor Boulous: Elections are the only solution to end Libyas crisis - The Libya Observer - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Oil Tanker Suffers Unexplained Blast Weeks After Russia Call - Bloomberg - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Mitsotakis Wants EU to Keep Libya from Sending Refugee Boats - The National Herald - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- No injuries or pollution after explosion at oil tanker off Libya, says Greek operator - eKathimerini.com - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- 2 Greek warships begin patrolling off Libya to prevent flow of irregular migrants - Anadolu Ajans - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Libya's economy showed recovery in 2024, remained resilient despite reliance on hydrocarbons and ongoing political and security instability: World... - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Belarusian PM to Hammad: Minsk eyes cooperation with Libya in agriculture, industry, and healthcare - The Libya Observer - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Libya rejects European interference in maritime agreement with Turkey - The Arab Weekly - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- The Prime Minister of Eastern Libya threatens Greece - - Greek City Times - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Three Libyan companies win awards in Athens International Olive Oil Competition - Libya Herald - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Explosion Reported on Crude Tanker Off the Coast of Libya - The Maritime Executive - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libyan and Omani Economy Ministers meet agree to activate several existing agreements and hold a business forum - Libya Herald - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libya, Trkiye defend deal as Greece sustains objection | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Greece deploys 3 warships in the Eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and Libya - The Libya Observer - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Economy Ministry warns against speculation on the Dinar, assures gradual stability of exchange market - The Libya Observer - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libyan Italian Forum concludes with the signing of 98 MoUs - Libya Herald - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Greek Political Tensions Resurface Over Turkey-Libya Pact - Greek City Times - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- UN urges renewed political and climate action in Libya amid humanitarian and governance crises - africanews.com - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Warehouse fire and explosion in Ajkharrah injures 18 - The Libya Observer - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Pakistan urges all stakeholders in divided Libya to address outstanding issues through dialogue - Associated Press of Pakistan - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Libya, Turkey sign MoU on offshore areas, Athens reiterates rejection - eKathimerini.com - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Libya - United States Mission to the United Nations (.gov) - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Pakistan urges continued intl support for peace in Libya - RADIO PAKISTAN - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Greece to deploy frigates off Libya to curb increased migrant flows, PM says - Reuters - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Libya's Al-Khadim airbase becomes a hub for Russian arms in the Sahel - RFI - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Greek Navy Deploys Warships To Thwart Surge Of Migrant Vessels Off Libya - Marine Insight - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- MSF remains ready to resume medical activities in Libya - MSF - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Greek Navy Sending Refugee Hunting Patrols Near Libya - The National Herald - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- New appointments for Stability Support Apparatus and Judicial Police Authority - The Libya Observer - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Greece plans to deploy navy ships off Libya to 'send a message' to migrant smugglers - MSN - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- CBL penalizes three banks over unauthorized customer fees - The Libya Observer - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Analyst doubts impact of Berlin talks on Libya - Libyan Express - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]