In June 1793 the flag was established for the navy, although its star had eight points instead of the current five (since about 1844). This design was reconfirmed in 1936 following the revolution led by Ataturk. Various myths are associated with the symbolism of the red color and the star and crescent, but none really explains their origins.

Turkey Official name: Türkiye Cumhuriyeti (Republic of Turkey). Form of government: multiparty republic with one legislative house (Turkish Grand National Assembly [550]). Chief of state: President. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 64,567,000. Population projection: (2000) 66,618,000; (2010) 76,570,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): 16.8 (world avg. 15.7). Land use (1994): forested 26.2%; meadows and pastures 16.1%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 36.1%; other 21.6%. Gross national product (1996): U.S.$177,530,000,000 (U.S.$2,830 per capita).

© 2001 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated