Turkish star is the logo of the Mother of God
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Turkish Star Logo Mother Of God Religion Symbolism Cultural Heritage

Eps 2: Turkish star is the logo of the Mother of God

— Let's Talk About Religion

The podcast discusses the origins and symbolism of the Turkish star, traditionally associated with the Mother of God in various cultural contexts. It explains that the star's design has historical roots in ancient civilizations and religious traditions, serving as a symbol of divine protection and guidance. The discussion highlights how the star, often linked to the Virgin Mary, embodies themes of motherhood, care, and enlightenment. The podcast delves into how this emblem has permeated different cultures and religions over time, maintaining its significance in contemporary religious iconography, especially within Christian and Ottoman cultural heritage.

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Brandie Carter

Brandie Carter

Podcast Content
The intersection of cultural symbology and religious iconography often reveals fascinating connections, and one such captivating juxtaposition is that of the Turkish star, or 'Rub el Hizb', and the emblematic symbols associated with the Mother of God, Mary. The Turkish star, typically an eight-pointed figure, holds profound significance in Islamic tradition symbolizing completeness, wholeness, and the unity of the faith. When juxtaposed with the representation of the Virgin Mary in Christian iconography, interesting parallels emerge.

The eight-pointed star or 'Rub el Hizb' is routinely seen in various forms of Islamic art, architecture, and manuscripts, representing the Quranic division into thirty equally measured sections. Meanwhile, the number eight has Christian theological importance, often associated with regeneration and the New Beginning, reflective of Christ's resurrection on the eighth day.

Delving deeper, the eight-pointed star's relevance in Christian symbolism is pronounced when examining the Virgin Mary's emblems. The overlapping nature of Mary's role as a mother—her nurturing, protective, and redemptive attributes—mirror the star's perception as a guiding light in dark times. Marian symbols often integrate stars, emphasizing her perpetual guidance analogous to the North Star leading sailors to safety, drawing an implicit but potent conceptual link to the Turkish star’s role in navigation and direction within the Islamic schema.

Moreover, both symbols converge metaphorically in their representation of a celestial sanctuary; a protective haven from spiritual disquiet. Just as the Turkish star in Islamic lore signifies divine guidance and protection, Mary’s emblem is often encircled by stars, representing her as the Queen of Heaven, underlining a celestial guardianship.

This intriguing intersection between the Islamic 'Rub el Hizb' and the Christian Mother of God provides a cross-cultural tapestry illustrating how symbols evolve and imbue deeper universal meanings. The Turkish star, when viewed through the prism of Marian iconography, not only enhances our understanding of sacred symbols but also fosters a richer appreciation of the intertwined paths of different faiths as they traverse the spiritual landscapes of our world.