The Red Crescent

In 1877, the Ottoman Empire went to war with Russia.Today, the Red Crescent is very important in responding to disasters such as 15 earthquakes or fires, as well as providing aid to developing countries.Red Crescent societies are important to the International Federation, as they have developed guidelines that include non-Western traditions.Red Crescent volunteers work to prevent suffering for everyone - regardless of nationality, race, religion or gender.So the Ottoman officials used a red crescent to mark their ambulances instead.So far, 33 Islamic countries have recognised the Red Crescent.This is a huge organisation that has 97 million members, volunteers and supporters in 187 National Societies.A key principle of the organisation when providing this aid is neutrality.The medics who took care of the wounded soldiers on the Russian side marked their ambulances with a red cross.This was the symbol used by all countries to protect medics during battles.However, the cross reminded the Ottoman Empire of previous wars against 5 soldiers carrying a similar flag.Some time later, other Muslim countries accepted this symbol, and it was formally adopted in 1929.