The Flag of Morocco
21/04/07 12:02 | Morocco Articles
Morocco’s flag is simple yet striking. Red, with a green five-pointed star in the center, it is known to hold Solomon’s Seal. Morocco has used flags as a symbol of the state since the Almoravid Dynasty in the mid 1000s. At that time, the flag was white. Prior to the Almoravid, banners were carried in battles, but were not used as a national symbol. Red became the color of choice for the Alaouite Dynasty in the early 17th Century. In 1912, a star was added to distinguish Morocco’s flag from other countries. A six-pointed star was used on Morocco’s flag until 1915 when the French General Lyautey changed it to a five-pointed one prior to sending Moroccan troops to fight in WWI. No explanation was ever really given as to what the change signified. The five-point pentagram has been used ever since.
While the green star in the center of the flag is commonly known as the Seal of Solomon (Arabic: Suleiman), its origins may be different. Scholars have argued that it might have been associated with Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed. Morocco, a Muslim country ruled by a monarchy that claims lineage from the Prophet, the pentagram may represent the country’s religion and faith. The five-pointed star could represent the five-pillars of Islam. Additionally, it symbolizes the link between Allah and the King.

The flag of Morocco became the national flag for the whole country when it gained independence in 1956. Prior to that, the red flag was only used in the French territories. It was not recognized in the Spanish zones. Morocco’s flag is unique in that it is a red flag, and not a part of the United Arab Emirates. Historically, red flags are commonly associated with the Emirate States.

By JBT Correspondent: Carole Morris
Morocco Travel at Journey Beyond Travel