The flag of Algeria Flags began as a military banner. The original design lacked the star and crescent that can be found on the modern flag, but it was the first Algerian flag to display the split field of green and white.Flagsworld.org, The banner was first flown by Emir Abdel Kadir when he led the defence of the Algeria Regency against the French army during the French Invasion of Algiers in 1830. The defence failed, but the flag became a potent symbol of the Algerian people.