The flag of Algeria consists of two vertical stripes of equal width: green (hoist side) and white. At the center, a red crescent and a five-pointed star sit on the border of the stripes. Adopted in 1962 after independence, the design was inspired by the National Liberation Front flag. The green symbolizes Islam, white stands for purity, and the crescent and star (from the Turkish flag) are traditional Islamic symbols. The red recalls the blood shed for independence, and a white flag was used by national hero Abd al-Qadir during resistance to French rule.