About Corsica

The Moor's Head

The Moors Head has become the emblem of Corsica and can be seen on flags throughout the island.

Any locally produced goods, official buildings, Corsican owned boats, properties and aircraft carry this symbol and all Corsican political parties (whatever the strength of their Nationalist tendencies) also use the emblem. In some specific cases it may represent a stronger Nationalist / Autonomist leaning, but is generally a simple statement of pride in their country. The symbol dates back to the 13th century, when the Aragonese were given rights over Corsica by the Pope after their victory over the Saracens. They portrayed their acquisition by the Moor's Head. It was however, forgotten in Corsica during the subsequent Genoese occupation when the Virgin Mary (the patron Saint of Corsica) was used to symbolize Corsica.

In the 18th century the German adventurer, Theodor Von Neuhof (who became king of Corsica for 6 months in 1736) chose the forgotten Moor's Head as the National flag. Twenty years later it was re-established as the official Corsican flag by the great Corsican patriot, Pasquale Paoli who insisted that the bandana was moved from its original position covering the eyes (to the forehead) in order to symbolize the liberation of Corsica.

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