Flag Overview
What does the flag of Tunisia look like? Tunisia’s flag is red with a red crescent and five-pointed star inside a white circle in the middle.
Meaning of the Flag
The colors of the Tunisian flag symbolize the blood shed by the martyrs that died during the French conquest of Tunisia during the 19th century. The color white also represents peace. The flag features a five-pointed star that represents the Five Pillars of Islam, as well as a star that represents the unity of the Muslim people. The disc is meant to symbolize the radiance of the nation.
Colors of the Flag
Just two colors are used in the Tunisian flag. The color red is used for the field. The color white is used for the disc that is centered on the flag, while the crescent moon and star emblem that represent the Five Pillars of Islam and the nation’s unity are centered on the disc and are red in color.
History of the Flag
Flags were previously used in Tunisia as maritime flags on the ships of the Tunis. There were multiple flags used throughout history, and it was in the 19th century when a flag with multiple bands and contours in the colors of red, green and blue was used.
In the 19th century, the flag of the Bey of Tunis was used in the nation. It was used at public ceremonies and was in use until 1957, when the Bey monarchy was abolished. It was during the 19th century when a flag that later led to the modern design used today was put into use. It was determined by the leader of the Husainid Dynasty that a naval ensign bearing a crescent moon and star would be used to distinguish Tunisian ships from other ships. This occurred in 1831, and the flag was adopted, although there are some discrepancies as to the actual date of when the flag was adopted.
Even during the time of the French protectorate, the Tunisian flag remained unchanged. However, the flag of France was placed in the canton during this period, which ran from 1943 to 1956. Once this flag was no longer in use, the original design without the French tricolor was restored and has remained in use to this day.
Flag Facts
The flag of Tunisia is flown on all public and military buildings.
There are several occasions when the flag is required to be flown on public buildings, including Independence Day on March 20 and Republic Day on July 25.
Insulting the flag with words, writings or gestures is punishable with one year of imprisonment.
