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View Full Version : The original battle standard of Admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa



Mouzafphaerre
11-07-2004, 05:41
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Recently, my signature, especially my flag was made a subject of controversy. That, however, has given me the chance to tell you about its origin and explain its meaning.

The following is a photograph of the Imperial Admiral of the Sea Hayreddin Paşa's (Kapudân-ı Deryâ; قپدان دريا) battle standard, or a reproduction of it made briefly after his death. It' currently preserved at the Naval Museum in Istanbul.


http://www.piratescrossroads.com/%7Ehbarbarossa/gallery/hayreddin/sancak01.jpg


As you can see, my flag is a slightly stylised version of it.

At the top of the flag, there's a segment of a verse from the Qur'an (الصف، 61:13). Very approximately translating: "Help is from Allah and the opening (~victory) is soon. Give the believers the joyful news." Following right after is the Holy Prophet's name.

You can see four crescents or horns in which the names of the four foremost disciples of the Prophet (and the first Khalifes following him), Ebu Bekr, Umer, Usman and Ali are written.

Now come the often misinterpreted two sysbols...

What several ignorant "experts" claim to be a compass, is the "Zulfikar", the famous, semi-legendary double-bladed sword of the Prophet, later presented by him to Ali. The hand next to the sword's handle sybolises the five members of the house of the Prophet (پنچه آل ابا in Persian).

The six cornered star, known commonly as David's Shield, is named "Solomon's Seal; مهر سليمان" in Islamic heraldry, and used solely as a symbol of power and sovereignity. It has absolutely nothing to do with Judaisme or Jews in this context. You would be surprised to see how widely it has been used as a mosque ornament. ~;)
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discovery1
11-07-2004, 08:42
Wait, is this the standard of a man (Admiral H. Barbarossa) or was it attached to the office(Imperial Admiral of the Sea's)?

Mouzafphaerre
11-08-2004, 15:39
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The man, sorry for the confusion.
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discovery1
11-09-2004, 01:31
Oh. Thanks for the clarification.