This is the flag of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. It comes
from a world where the Crusades were a success. The Holy Land was placed
under Christian control, as were Egypt and North Africa. The Kingdom of
Jerusalem frequently changed hands between various Christian kingdoms, but
eventually it was established as an independent kingdom in the same manner as
the Papal States. There was a movement to have the Pope and College of
Cardinals to move to Jerusalem, and for a few years they did, but it was
ultimately decided that Jerusalem wasn't safe enough. Rome remained the
heart of Catholicism, but the church still has several important institutions
in Jerusalem. Similarly, the Orthodox Church has a Patriarch of Jerusalem
who lives in the kingdom.
As a result of the successful Crusades many Muslims fled to
West Africa. By the present day West Africa, and Timbuktu in particular,
have become the heart of Islam. The Christian kingdoms of North Africa
tend to have Christian coasts and Muslim interiors. Jerusalem and its
fellow Christian Levant kingdoms are...well, predominantly Christian.
Jerusalem comprises most of the territory that modern day Israel and
Palestine consist of.
For many years Jews and Muslims have faced discrimination in
Jerusalem. Today, however, people of all religions enjoy equal protection
under the law. Jerusalem has increasingly placed effort into making
amends for the past. For example, the Dome of the Rock for many years had been
converted into a church, but in recent times it was converted into a secular
museum where everyone is allowed to pray.
This is reflected by the symbolism of the flag.
Christian elements are still dominate, purple and gold represent both
royalty and Jesus Christ, and a cross dominates the center. However, the
cross is an equal armed Templar cross the represent the equality of all, and
the Stars of David and crescent moons represent the importance of Jerusalem to
Jews and Muslims as well as Christians.
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