Seljuk star

The Seljuk star is an eight-pointed star polygon that is an ancient Turkish national symbol (Tamga). It is one of the most common symbols in Seljuk architecture, carved on madrasa, palace and mosque walls.

The eight points are widely considered to represent:


 * 1) mercy,
 * 2) compassion,
 * 3) patience,
 * 4) truthfulness,
 * 5) keeping secrets,
 * 6) loyalty,
 * 7) generosity, and
 * 8) giving thanks to God.

Another meaning attributed to the eight points of the star are the following significant names in Islamic heritage, as can be seen in the calligraphy arts hung in most official Turkish mosques:


 * 1) Allah
 * 2) Muhammad
 * 3) Abu Bakr
 * 4) Umar
 * 5) Uthman
 * 6) Ali
 * 7) Hasan
 * 8) Husayn