budget travel asia

During my years in college, we traveled with a group of students and professors to Istanbul, which is located in Turkey. This country became a republic back in the year 1923, some 90 years ago. Traveling as well as the study of banners, flags and flag poles have always been considered hobbies of mine. Those familiar with Turkey can affirm that the Turkish flag or banner is hoisted on many different types of flag poles, including very tall ones. The Turkish national flag is one of many international flags for sale online these days.

The red color in the Turkish flag dates to the time of the Ottomans, who converted the country to Islam in the 1400-s, or the 13th century. The crescent moon and the star go back to the cult of Diana and to the Virgin Mary. About the fifteenth century they became symbolic of Islam, interestingly, but they were especially associated with the Ottoman rule in Turkey.

These symbols were kept when Turkey became an official republic in '23. The present form of the flag was confirmed some thirteen years later, in 1936. The exact history of the flag however remains unclear, thus creating some controversy in terms of historic claims and facts. Historical sources and local legends and traditions connected with the expansion of the Ottoman Empire often conflict.

Greece and Turkey may have seen better days or not. These two countries have had somewhat of a bad marriage for many years, if not decades or centuries. One area of conflict has been the island of Cyprus, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of both respective territories. Considered a republic in our day, this island is officially called the Republic of Cyprus. The president of this state is considered to be both the head of state and the head of the Cyprian government. Cyprian politics can become complicated at times.

Today, Cyprus flies it's unique state ensign or flag from all kinds of flag poles throughout the island. A map of the island is featured in or on the banner that was adopted officially back in 1960. It is displayed in the color yellow, thus referring to the deposits of copper for which Cyprus has been known since ancient times. The island itself is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.

These above mentioned flags are available at times as international flags for sale for use with garden and other flag poles. As aforementioned, some very tall flagpoles have been installed throughout the Turkish territory in recent years. Turkey and Cyprus have become popular tourist destinations to folks living in all kinds of areas of the world, including Europe and the United States. Istanbul has a European and an Asian side, in other words, it is divided geographically.