Turkish flag (history - colors - uses - legends)

Turkish flag:

The flag of Turkey is a very important symbol of the country's history, identity and values, and is highly respected and appreciated by the Turkish people. It expresses the country's Ottoman heritage and its status as a modern, secular republic.

What is the color and shape of the Turkish flag?

It is a white crescent moon and a white five-pointed star on a red background. The dimensions of the Turkish flag are determined by law. The width of the flag is two-thirds of its length, and the star and crescent in the center of the flag have specific proportions and are placed in a specific position within the flag.

When was the Turkish flag adopted as the official flag of the Turkish state?

The flag was adopted for the first time in 1844 during the Tanzimat period during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Abd al-Majid, and it was issued as the national flag of the Republic of Turkey on May 29, 1936. The standards for the flag were determined and the flag took its final form on September 22, 1983.

What is the reason for choosing the symbol of the star, crescent and red color in the Turkish flag?

Crescent and star motifs have been used in Turkish flags since the Ottoman Empire, which ruled most of the region for centuries. The Ottomans used several different versions of the Turkish flag, but the basic design remained the same. There are many legends and stories about the Turkish flag.

Myths and stories about the Turkish flag:

Legend has it that the red color on the flag represents the blood of the martyrs. The crescent and the star symbolize midnight, and the flag in its full form symbolizes the blood of the midnight martyrs. It is said that this legend occurred in the first battle of Kosovo in 1389.

The legend of the crescent and the star: According to this legend, when the Ottoman Empire was established in the fourteenth century, the moon and star appeared in the sky as a symbol of the empire. The crescent and star were adopted by the Ottomans as their emblem, and it later became a symbol of modern Turkey.

The legend of the Battle of Malazgirt: This legend dates back to the eleventh century when the Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine army in the Battle of Malazgirt. According to legend, the Seljuk Sultan Alparslan saw a crescent moon and star shining in the sky before the battle, which he took as a sign of victory. After the battle, the crescent moon and star became a symbol of the Seljuk Turks.

The legend of the Ottoman flag: This legend tells the story of the creation of the Ottoman flag. According to legend, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, Osman I, dreamed that a tree would grow from his navel and spread its branches to cover the world. The branches of the tree were filled with moons and stars, which became a symbol of the Ottoman Empire.

The Legend of the Red Color: According to this legend, the red color on the Turkish flag represents the blood of the soldiers who fought for the country's independence during the Turkish War of Independence in the early 20th century.

-The legend of the national anthem: The Turkish national anthem, "Istiklal Marchi" (The Independence Anthem), was written during the Turkish War of Independence. According to legend, the poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy wrote the words for the national anthem in one night, inspired by the courage and determination of the Turkish soldiers fighting for their freedom. In addition, the Turkish flag is mentioned in the first, second and tenth stanzas of the national anthem

But the most common one is that the red color on the flag represents the blood of Turkish soldiers who fought in wars to defend their country. On the other hand, the white crescent and star are symbols of Islam, which is the dominant religion in Turkey. In the Turkish flag, the crescent represents the lunar calendar of Islam, and the star represents the morning star, which is also a symbol of hope.

History of the Turkish Flag:

Information about the Turkish flag in the era of the Ottoman Caliphate:

The flag of the Ottoman Empire was adopted in 1844

There is not enough information about the flag colors and symbols used in the Turkish Anatolian states before the Ottoman Empire. The Turkish flag was first used by the second Seljuk ruler of Anatolia. It is seen as a white flag sent by Masud to Osman Bey.

After the fifteenth century, the green flag was used in the Battle of Calderan during the reign of Sultan Selim I. An eight-cornered star was used in this flag along with the crescent moon. And the eight star means victory. And in 1844, during the Tanzimat period during the reign of Sultan Abd al-Majid, the star on the flag took its five-pointed shape. The five-pointed star symbolizes man.

At the end of the Ottoman Sultanate era, the shape of the flag was determined on May 29, 1936. The use of the Turkish flag was regulated by the “Decree for the Organization of the Turkish Flag” dated July 28, 1937 and No. 27175.

How is the Turkish flag used according to the law?

The dimensions of the flag are specified in Article 4 of the Resolution “Regulations on the Turkish Flag” issued by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Turkey dated January 25, 1985 No. 85/9034.

According to the law, the Turkish flag may not be used tattered, tattered, patched, holed, dirty, pale, wrinkled, or in any way that would harm the moral value to which it is due. Except for formal oath ceremonies, it cannot be placed as a cover on tables and platforms for any purpose. It cannot be placed in sitting or walking places. Flag cannot be formed on these and similar places. It cannot be worn as a uniform. It cannot be used as a basis for or funding on the front or back of the emblems, symbols and the like of any political party, organization, association, institution or organization other than the public institutions and organizations identified in the Statutes. The Turkish flag may not be insulted or disrespected verbally, in writing or in any way. The flag may not be torn off, burned, thrown on the ground, or used without due care.

How is the Turkish flag used in the official uniform?

In military uniform, the flag is located either on the right shoulder or in the form of a patch on the front of the uniform. In the same way, there is a Turkish flag on the front or back of the military helmet.

How is the Turkish flag used in social life?

The Turkish flag is used in national holidays and special days of remembrance of the Turkish Republic, so that a large number of flags are provided and used by the public coming to celebrate. Flags are hung in homes, businesses, skyscrapers, etc. On national holidays, TV channels in Turkey place the Turkish flag and the image of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in the upper right or left corner of the screen. The Turkish flag is highly respected by the people of Türkiye. They are flown on national holidays, during important events, and are prominently displayed in public buildings and private homes across the country. The flag also features prominently in Turkish schools and is an essential component of civic education, teaching students the history and meaning of the flag and the values ​​it represents. The Turkish flag is also known as the symbol of the Republic of Turkey in international forums and events.

How is the Turkish flag used in cases of mourning?

The flag is flown at half mast or lowered to half mast in cases of mourning declared by the Turkish presidency. The flag is flown at half mast as it was on November 10 when the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, died. Flags across the country are flown at half mast due to national mourning. As in the case of the recent earthquake that struck Turkey, mourning was declared throughout the country for a period of 7 days, and the Turkish flag was swept.

In general, the flag of Turkey holds a special place in the hearts and minds of its people, and is an important symbol of the country's past, present, and future.