Coptic Flag - Background

Background

Copts voice opposition to many aspects of Egypt's political life. One of these is the present-day Egyptian flag, which many Copts feel does not represent their community (though some Muslim Egyptians appear to have voiced similar concerns). The pattern closely resembles those of other Arabic-speaking countries, a symbol of Arab nationalism rejected by many Copts (and many Egyptians in general), along with the official title of the country "Arab Republic of Egypt", as if to distinguish between an Arab Egypt and one that is not (see also Egypt#Identity). In this respect, taking into consideration that Copts are especially likely not to consider themselves Arab, the current Egyptian flag alienates the Egyptian Christian minority in its homeland.

The Coptic flag arose from the conviction that any group has a right to represent itself through an emblem or a flag in its larger society and the world. It is in line with examples such as the emblem of the Muslim Brotherhood (two swords surrounding the Koran), and the flag of the Lebanese phalanges (a red circle surrounding a green cedar tree). Other examples include the flag of the Lebanese Hezbollah and the flag of the Assyrian minority, which flies side by side with the Iraqi national flag at Assyrian churches.

Nevertheless, in view of the Copts' Egyptian patriotism and their attachment to their country, and from the standpoint of respecting the opinion of other Egyptians, Coptic or Muslim, who might consider the national flag representative, Copts continue to call upon respecting the current flag of Egypt. The Coptic flag came about as a compromise; one that represents the Copts and highlights their non-Arab, non-Muslim identity. Some Copts have begun using the new flag alongside the official Egyptian flag. These Copts view it as a way to reconcile their pride in their Coptic identity with their allegiance and strong attachment to Egypt, as well as with their desire for peaceful coexistence with their compatriots.