The flag of Turkey known as the Red Flag or Red Banner, is one of the most recognizable national flags in the world with its bold red background and distinct white crescent and star emblem. This iconic design has a long and storied history dating back centuries. In this article we’ll explore the meanings behind the colors and symbols of the Turkish flag, how it has evolved over time, and its significance in Turkish culture today.
The Main Elements and Colors of the Turkish Flag
The national flag of Turkey consists of a red background with a white crescent moon and a five-pointed star slightly off-center towards the hoist.
The red background color represents the blood of Turkish martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation It’s also associated with the Ottoman Empire’s red battle flags. The specific shade of Turkish red is a very dark, rich hue known as Turkish red or claret red
The white crescent and star have ancient origins as symbols used by previous Anatolian civilizations. During the Ottoman Empire, they came to represent Istanbul and were featured on Ottoman flags. The star is said to stand for the Virgin Mary, revered in Islam as the mother of the Prophet Isa. The five points represent the Five Pillars of Islam.
History and Origins of the Turkish Flag
The crescent moon and star as symbols are very old, dating back thousands of years to early Mesopotamian and Egyptian iconography. Many ancient Anatolian peoples in what is now Turkey used the crescent moon as a religious emblem associated with their moon goddesses.
When Constantine the Great established Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 330 AD, he introduced the crescent moon symbol on the city’s new flag, representing the goddess Diana. The star was added later to represent the Virgin Mary and Christianity.
Under the Ottoman Empire, the crescent and star became fully established as Turkish symbols. Various versions of red Ottoman battle flags incorporating a crescent and star were used by Turkish forces.
In 1793, the current Turkish flag design was adopted for naval use, though with an eight-pointed star. In 1844, it became the official Ottoman national flag. When Turkey became a republic in 1923, the flag was kept unchanged. In 1936, the precise colors and measurements were standardized in the Turkish Flag Law.
How the Turkish Flag is Used and Displayed
As a source of national pride, the Turkish flag is prominently displayed throughout the country on government buildings, schools, bridges, airports, and public statues. Turkish citizens also fly the flag outside their homes and businesses for national holidays and celebrations.
The flag appears on military uniforms, either as a patch or painted onto helmets. During national days of mourning, it’s flown at half-mast on government buildings. For state funerals, the casket is draped with the Turkish flag.
Strict protocol governs how the flag is treated. It must never touch the ground and should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. Damaging, soiling or disrespecting the flag is illegal.
Cultural Significance and Meaning for Turks
The Turkish flag holds deep meaning for citizens as a unifying patriotic emblem representing national identity, independence, and honor. Its vivid red color has come to symbolize the blood and courage of Turkish people. The crescent and star evoke feelings of national and spiritual pride.
The flag’s image and associated phrases like “red banner” feature prominently in the Turkish national anthem and nationalist poems. For many Turks, simply seeing their vibrant red flag flying inspires an emotional sense of belonging to the nation it embodies.
Over its long evolution, the Turkish flag has retained symbolic power and cultural relevance in Turkey. With its bold iconic design, the red Turkish flag will likely continue flying over the country for centuries to come as a powerful patriotic symbol.
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| Adopted | 1844 |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 2:3 |
| Design | An off centre white crescent with five-pointed star on a red field |
| Colours | PMS – Red: 186 C CMYK – Red: 0% Cyan, 90% Magenta, 80% Yellow, 5% Black |
The first flag of Turkey came during the rule of the Ottoman dynasty. Even though they had taken control in 1299, there wasn’t an official flag until 1844 during the Tanzimat reformation of the Ottoman Empire. The red field and crescent with eight-pointed star was taken from the 1793 Ottoman Naval Flag. However, the Empire flag was chosen to have a five-pointed star rather than eight.
The Ottoman Navy Flag (1793 – 1844)
The Flag of the Ottoman Empire (1844 – 1923)
After World War One Turkey became a republic and used a modified Ottoman Flag. The flags design is said to represent the moon and a star reflected in a pool of blood during the Battle of Kosovo. The Flag is has various nicknames such as “Al Bayrak”(red flag), “ay yildiz” (moon star), and “al sancak” (red banner) in the national anthem. A lot of the time the flag is hoisted vertically with the crescent moon and star pointed down.
The Flag of Turkey (1923 – Present Day)
The Flag of Turkey (Vertical Hoist) (1923 to Present Day)
The Presidential Flag of Turkey is the red flag of turkey with the Presidential Seal of turkey in the top left hand side. The Presidential Seal of Turkey featured a golden sixteen-pointed star surrounded by sixteen five pointed stars representing the historic Turkic states.
Emblems and Flags of Turkey
The Seal of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey features is the Parliamentary seal for Turkey and was used on the old Turkish Identity Cards. The Seal of the Prime Minister of Turkey is very similar. A red crescent moon and five-pointed star is used on Turkish Passports, ID cards and Visas.
There are two Coats of Arms of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The red Oval shield with gold border that features a golden upward facing crescent moon and five-pointed star and a circular Coat of Arms similar to the Seal of the prime Minister of Turkey. The Turkish Customs Administration has a regular Turkish flag with a green border inside.
The Flag of the Commander-in-Chief of the Turkish Armed Forces is a square with thick red border and red Turkish emblem in the centre.
The Presidential Flag of Turkey
The Presidential Seal of Turkey
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The Origin of The Turkish Flag. | | The Short History of The flag of Turkey.
FAQ
What does Turkey’s flag symbolize?
The flag, which has no official meaning, is blood red, according to legend, and represents the shed blood of martyrs. The image of the Turkish flag was formed with the crescent moon and a star reflected on these bloods at midnight. This legend is said to have taken place in the First Battle of Kosovo in 1389.
What is the symbol of the Turkey?
The crescent and star are from the 19th-century Ottoman flag (1844–1923) which also forms the basis of the present-day Turkish flag. Following the abolition of the Sultanate on 1 November 1922, the Ottoman coat of arms was no longer used and the crescent and star became Turkey’s de facto national emblem.
What is the country Turkey known for?
It is a leading TV content exporter. With numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites and intangible cultural heritage inscriptions, and a rich and diverse cuisine, Turkey is the fifth most visited country in the world.
Who is the man on the Turkish flag?
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, also known as Mustafa Kemal Pasha until 1921, and Ghazi Mustafa Kemal from 1921 until the Surname Law of 1934 ( c. 1881 – 10 November 1938), was a Turkish field marshal, revolutionary statesman, author, and a founding father of the Republic of Turkey, serving as its first president from 1923 …
What is the national flag of Turkey?
Notes and references External links The national flag of Turkey, officially the Turkish flag, is a red flag featuring a white star and crescent on its emblem, a prominent symbol of the Ottoman Emp
What does Turkey’s flag look like?
The flag of Turkey, known as the “Ay Yıldız” (meaning Moon Star), features a striking design with a red background and a white star and crescent. The red
What does the Turkish flag symbolize?
Heck, even I felt that way when I would hear the melodious Muslim mantra multiple times a day emanating from turrets throughout Turkey. Ayoka was full of facts, including explaining the Turkish flag symbolizes that “the sky is the limit.” That philosophy is evident in terms of Turkey’s tourism commitment.