Morocco Flag And Its History

By Albert Frank


Morocco has been the home of the Berbers since the second millennium B.C. In A.D. 46, Morocco was annexed by Rome as part of the province of Mauritania until the Vandals overran this portion of the declining empire in the 5th century. The Arabs invaded circa 685, bringing Islam. The Berbers joined them in invading Spain in 711, but then they revolted against the Arabs. In 1086, Berbers took control of large areas of Moorish Spain until they were expelled in the 13th century.

France took control in 1912, making its capital at Rabat and handing Spain a token zone in the north. Opposition from Berber mountain tribes was officially crushed but continued to simmer away and moved into political channels with the development of the Istiqlal (independence) party.

The flag of Morocco was adopted on November 17, 1915. When the French and Spanish ruled Morocco, the flag was not allowed to be used in some parts of the country. When Morocco gained independence in 1956, they resumed use of this flag.

The original design of the flag had been used continuously even at the time of the French and Spanish domination of Morocco. However, it was required to be used in land only and not in the sea. When Morocco finally acquired its independence in 1956, the original design of the flag was considered as the national flag of Morocco.

The flag of Morocco is a deep red with a green five-pointed star, or pentagram, at its center. The pentagram is outlined in black. Red has many important meanings for Morocco, reflecting the nation's history. Red has been used in Morocco to represent the royals, including the Alaouite family who ruled in the seventeenth century, and the Sherifs of Mecca and the Imams of Yemen. The red symbolizes bravery and strength.

The Moroccan flag remained unchanged when the sultanate of Morocco was restored by the two colonial rulers of France and Spain, and independence was granted in 1956. A year later, the sultan became a king and Morocco became a kingdom. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flag designs offered a special edition of decals and flags to memorize the history of Morocco flag for the future.




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