What is the history of the star-and crescent symbol in Islam?

Question

I read that it was once a Christian symbol used as an emblem by the Byzantine Empire, and that when the Ottoman Turks took the city of Constantinople in 1453 they adopted it as their standard. Is this correct?

Answer 1

The crescent moon and star symbol actually pre-dates Islam by several thousand years. Information on the origins of the symbol are difficult to ascertain, but most sources agree that these ancient celestial symbols were in use by the peoples of Central Asia and Siberia in their worship of sun, moon, and sky gods. There are also reports that the crescent moon and star were used to represent the Carthaginian goddess Tanit or the Greek goddess Diana.

The city of Byzantium (later known as Constantinople and Istanbul) adopted the crescent moon as its symbol. According to some reports, they chose it in honor of the goddess Diana. Others indicate that it dates back to a battle in which the Romans defeated the Goths on the first day of a lunar month. In any event, the crescent moon was featured on the city's flag even before the birth of Christ.

Answer 2

This question was answered about 3 to 4 weeks ago. Do a search.

Answer 3

try looking it up? islam.com.....its the internet....and a brain...use it