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National Emblem of Libya facts for kids

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Emblem of Libya
Seal of the Government of National Unity (Libya).svg
Versions
The emblem on the passport of Libya.svg
Emblem used for passports since 2013
Armiger Libya
Adopted 15 March 2021
Blazon Crescent moon and star
Motto حكومة الوحدة الوطنية – دولة ليبيا  (Arabic)
"Government of National Unity – State of Libya")

Since 2011, Libya has not had one single official national emblem. An emblem is like a special symbol or picture that represents a country.

A special document from August 2011, called the Constitutional Declaration, described Libya's flag. However, it didn't mention a specific national emblem or coat of arms.

In February 2013, new Libyan passports were introduced. The cover of these passports shows a star and crescent symbol. This symbol is also on the Libyan flag. Because of this, the crescent moon and star are often seen as Libya's unofficial emblem.

The Government of National Unity, formed in March 2021, adopted an official seal. This seal includes a crescent moon and star. It also has the name of the state and government written in Arabic.

Exploring Libya's National Symbols

Early Symbols Before Independence

Before Libya became an independent country, different empires and nations ruled its lands. Each of these rulers often used their own symbols or coats of arms. These symbols changed many times over the centuries. They showed who was in charge of different parts of Libya at various times.

The Kingdom of Libya's Emblem (1951–1969)

When Libya became a kingdom in 1951, it adopted its first national emblem in 1952. This emblem was used until 1969.

The royal emblem featured a silver crescent moon and star. These symbols rested on a black background, surrounded by a green frame. A small golden crown sat at the top, on a black base. All of this was placed in the center of a red cloak, decorated with golden designs. Nine golden stars surrounded the cloak. A larger golden crown, with five hoops and more stars, topped the entire design.

Libya's Symbols Under Gaddafi (1969–2011)

After 1969, Libya's government changed, and so did its national symbols. In 1970, Libya started using the Eagle of Saladin as its emblem. This eagle was a popular symbol of Arab unity. Other countries like Egypt and Iraq also used it.

Later, in 1972, Libya joined a group called the Federation of Arab Republics. At this time, Libya and Egypt changed their emblems to the Hawk of Quraish. This hawk was a symbol of the tribe of Muhammad. Syria also used this hawk.

When Libya left the Federation in 1977, it kept the Hawk of Quraish. However, the hawk's design was updated. It matched the new all-green flag that Libya adopted then. The hawk was also turned to face a different direction.

Symbols During Recent Changes (2011–Present)

Since 2011, Libya has gone through many changes in its government. Different groups have led the country, and each has used its own official seals or emblems. These symbols often feature the crescent moon and star, which are important to Libya.

National Transitional Council (2011–2012)

The National Transitional Council was a temporary government after 2011. It used a seal with a crescent moon and star. These symbols were shown in the colors of the Libyan flag: red, black, and green. The seal also had the council's name and "Libya" written in Arabic and English.

The offices of the interim Prime Minister and other government departments used a different seal. This seal showed an outline map of Libya, designed with the colors of the Libyan flag.

General National Congress (2012–2014)

The General National Congress was Libya's main law-making body from 2012 to 2014. It adopted a seal with a crescent moon and star. The name of the congress was written around it in Arabic and English. This seal was used to approve official documents and laws.

Another emblem was used for general government purposes. It featured a crescent moon and star surrounded by olive branches. These branches are similar to those seen on the United Nations emblem, symbolizing peace.

House of Representatives (2014–2016)

The House of Representatives was elected in 2014. It adopted a seal for its official work. This seal showed a crescent moon, some arches, and the name "House of Representatives" in English and Arabic. The government seals from the previous period continued to be used during this time.

Government of National Accord (2016–2021)

The Government of National Accord was formed in 2015. It was recognized by the United Nations as Libya's official government. This government used a seal with its name and the country's name in Arabic and English. A crescent moon and star were at the center.

Rival Tobruk-based Government (2016–2021)

During this time, another group formed a rival government based in Tobruk. This group used an emblem that showed the Hawk of Quraish and a shield.

Government of National Unity (2021–Present)

The Government of National Unity was formed in March 2021. This government adopted an official seal. It features a crescent moon and star. Around these symbols are the words "Government of National Unity – State of Libya" in Arabic. A designer named Adly al-Akkari created this seal.

Rival Government of National Stability (2022–Present)

Another rival government, called the Government of National Stability, was set up in Benghazi in 2022. This government is supported by the House of Representatives. It also claims to be the rightful government of Libya, competing with the Government of National Unity. It uses its own logo as a symbol.

See also

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