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Sabuhi Akhmedov, Candidate of Sciences in History The national flag of Azerbaijan Republic
“Flag of Azerbaijan - is not just a flag. It is a symbol of our nationhood and independence. Every citizen of Azerbaijan should realize this. The love of the citizen to the flag should be equal to his love for the motherland, the people, and the state!” Heydar Aliyev
ne of the priorities of any state government, army, currency, flag, ral forces, ancestral spirits embodied is the adoption of state sym- emblem, anthem, constitution, in specific physical forms. The images Obols. State symbols are usually which corresponds to the contem- of sacred animals were placed on the developed with the consideration of porary world approach to the attri- poles so that they could be seen by past historical experiences and tradi- butes of statehood. the whole tribe. Such images were tions. However, they can gradually Cultural and historical life of man- gradually transformed into generic change in line with historical realities. kind is impossible without symbols. marks – which caused the emer- “In his appeal to the people of Azer- They are predominantly used where gence of the first symbols. Symbol – baijani in the threshold to the new there is a need for a global univer- is a concentrated abstract form of millennium of 2001 the Azerbaijan salism, in such matters as religion or reflection and fixation of human President Heydar Aliyev stated”, that statehood. The symbols usually rep- knowledge with a stylized mark1. the attributes of the modern Azer resent brief rational values. In ancient Symbols can be in the form of in baijani statehood are parliament, times people believed in supernatu- dividual objects or their mixture.
10 www.irs-az.com In modern society the symbols are symbols through which ideas are The first banners emerged in the as significant and important as the expressed. The banner can be seen East which was the land where the words - they are quickly recognized as a kind of declaration disclosing first states were formed. In ancient and serve to overcome the language the worldview and ideology of its Mesopotamia, the banner appeared barrier. Symbols also have a function- owner. In the history of peoples and in the form of votive Standard: a al effect at different levels: some are in the modern times banners as ob- bronze or a gold cover in the form known and recognized only in one jects that symbolize the unity of the of the solar disk was put on the pole. country or culture, while others have people, have a value which is not The oldest image is the banner flag entirely different meanings in other exaggerated at all. The banner - is a on a pole on the wall paintings of places. Symbols represent the beliefs symbol of unity, since in the battle- Egyptian pharaoh Ramses III (1204- and social customs of particular time field fighters used to gather around 1173 BC.)2. The most ancient written and culture. They were usually bor- it and fought as a unique stronghold. reference to the banner dates back rowed through trade, conquest, cul- Symbols and emblems on the cloth to 1122 BC. - during the reign of the tural (often religious) relations with reflect the past or indicate the de- emperor of China Chow3. The history neighboring societies. sire for the future. In both cases each of symbolism in Azerbaijan dates Often, the symbols were por- flag represents the fate of its coun- back to antiquity. A unique standard trayed on the banner – as an element try by the language of its color and with an image of a sun and a deer are which could affect consciousness of placement of signs on it. Sometimes in the collection of the National Mu- many people. The banners are born peoples lose their independence or seum of History of Azerbaijan (refers in a certain socio-political system statehood, but never forget the ori- to the second half of III millennium - and absorb its main ideas. Colors of gin and meaning of colors and em- the second half of II millennium BC)4. flags and shapes on them - are the blems on their flags. Symbols are usually expressed
1. V.V. Pokhlebkin, International symbols and emblems. M., 1989, p.9. 2. Flags talk, L, 1972, p.5. www.irs-az.com 11 Always topical
means the supremacy, the greatness, butes an emblem of the state. HISTORY OF THE FLAG and wealth; the silver represents – It is known that during the col- wisdom and purity; the red – shows lapse of the Russian Empire, the strength, courage, and love; the blue Azerbaijani people got a chance to - glory, honor, and loyalty; the green restore their statehood. On May 28, – indicates freedom, hope, health; 1918 Azerbaijan National Council and the black – expresses constancy, adopted a Declaration of Indepen- modesty, and death6. dence. One of the first measures tak- For many people, even people en by the Azerbaijan Democratic Re- The national flag of ADR of living far away from each other, sym- public (ADR) was the adoption of the June 21, 1918 bols have the same (similar) values: state attributes. Initially a flag of the a lion means - strength, generosity, Ottoman Empire was taken as a ban- courage and power; a horse means ner. On June 21, 1918 statesmen – a courage of a lion, an eagle eye, adopted a national flag of ADR, representing a white crescent and a white eight-pointed star on a red DOCUMENTS background. It should be recalled The national flag of ADR of that the Ottoman flag depicts a five- November 9, 1918 pointed star. Later, a decision to change the in colors and marks or pictures and flag of ADR was taken due to thor- inscriptions on the banners. A color ough study of historic past of the plays a significant role because it country and strengthening of the diversifies meanings of the various characters, makes the possibility of distinguishing them and allows DOCUMENTS to create multiple combinations, where each color refers to a specific meaning. All States express their national, political and ideologi Extract from the minutes of the cal positions, taking advantage meeting of the ADR Government, of historically accepted colors, November 9, 1918 which enable to reflect their main features and peculiarities. Every nation interprets different colors in the power of an ox, a speed of a deer, its own way, therefore each color a fox agility; a bull means - fertility, should be studied on the basis of prosperity; an eagle means – power, traditions and perceptions of this na- insight; a fish means – vigilance; a tion. For example, in Europe the color snake - an eternity; an oak - a fortress, of mourning is black, but in China it power; a laurel - glory, honor; the sun 5 7 is white . At the same time there is means - richness, abundance, etc . Post stamp with the image of the a common symbolism of heraldic Ultimately, the combination of State flag during ADR ruling. colors. For instance the golden color different colors and symbols attri-
3. G.V. Vilinbakhov, Russian flags. Essays. St. Petersburg, 2005 p.13. 4. NMHA, Archaeological Foundation Inv. № AF 1174. 5. S. Forti, Symbols, Encyclopedia. Tr. from English. N. Goncharuk, M. Pochkina. M., 2005, p.7. 6. V.V. Pokhlebkin, International symbols and emblems, p. 236. 7. K.A. Ivanov, Flags of the world states. M., 1971, p.3-6. 8. Encyclopedia of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, B., 2005, v.I, p.328 9. Ibid 10. Encyclopedia of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, v. I, p.158, 310.
12 www.irs-az.com statehood. The new flag should re- the flag represented horizontal flect three aspects: Turkism, Islamism blue, red and green fields with the HISTORY and a desire for progress. It should white crescent and eight-pointed be noted that the formation of these star located in the center of the ideas was considerably influenced flag10. Crescent symbolizes Islam by the works of the famous philoso- while eight-pointed star accord- pher Jamaleddin Afgani (1838-1897), ing to F. Khoyski points to 8 letters who in his books “The philosophy of of “Azerbaijan” (as written by Arabic national unity and true essence of alphabet)11. According to research- a religious association” and “Islamic ers, 8 rays of the star can also sym- unity” sought to prove that the prog- bolize the Arabic script representing ress of the Muslim peoples is con- imaginative name of Azerbaijan as ditioned by the religious consolida- a – “Land of Fire”. A new interpreta- tion, the national unity and a study tion of the flag was given in the of- of progressive traditions of European ficial newspaper A“ zerbaijan” in the states. The philosophy of Jamaleddin article titled “Flag of Azerbaijan”12. Afgani served as a source of inspira- On December 7, 1918 a new na- Golden woman pendant (XIX tion for the works of such ideologues tional flag was raised over the Par- century, National Museum of as Ismail-bey Gasprinskiy, Ziya Go- liament building. In his speech M.A. History of Azerbaijan). kalp, Ali-bey Huseynzade, Ahmed- Rasulzadeh noted: “... this tricolor bey Aghayev, Mammad Amin Rasul- flag symbolizing the independent yov wrote: “Azerbaijan Republic has zadeh, who formalized his ideas in Azerbaijan, raised by the National risen on a sound national basis and Turkic mind... At the same time, Azer- November 9, 1918 on the basis of the report of the Prime Minister baijan has sought to establish a new of ADR Fatali-khan Khoyski a new state flag was approved. This society, to act in accordance with the time the flag represented horizontal blue, red and green fields European state of mind. Three colors with the white crescent and eight-pointed star located in the cen- of our flag symbolize all of these ele- ter of the flag. ments”15. On May 28, 1919 an article by U. Hajibeyov titled “One year” was published in the newspaper “Azer- the form of “nationalism, Islamism, Council and meaning Turk freedom, baijan” where he noted: “The mean- modernity.”8 In 1914 series of articles Islamic culture and modernity, will ing of our flag is explained by blue by M. Rasulzadeh were published always wave over us...”13. On Decem- color - the color of Turkism, green - in Baku magazine “Dirilik” where he ber 10, 1918 an article was published the color of Islam, and red - the color stated that the revival of the nation in newspaper “Azerbaijan” stating of the progress and culture”16. required attributes reflecting a na- that the three colors on the national Red banners in Azerbaijan written tional identity, religion, language, flag of ADR mean “symbol of the sources date back to VIII-IX centuries historical past, modernity and prog- Turkic ethnic culture, a modern in the times of Khurramites who led ress9. European democracy and Islamic the liberation struggle against the Ar- November 9, 1918 on the basis civilization”14. An outstanding com- abs. In Persian sources they are called of the report of the Prime Minister poser and musicologist, an author of “surhalem” (Red Banner), while in the of ADR Fatali-khan Khoyski a new the national anthem of Azerbaijan Arab –“muhammira” (dressed in red). state flag was approved. This time Democratic Republic Uzeir Hajibe-
11. I. Aliyev, E. Maharramov, Azerbaijan State Symbols. Baku, 2000, с. 10. 12. M. Mardanov, A. Guliyev. Azerbaijan State Symbols. B., 2001, p. 74-75. 13. Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918-1920). Parliament (shorthand notes). Baku, 1998, Ы volume, p.34 14. M. Mardanov, A. Guliyev, p. 75 15. Ibid, p.76 16. Ibid 17. V.V. Pokhlebkin, International symbols and emblems, page 236. 18. Sovereign Armory. St. Petersburg., 2002, p.46-48, 136, 56, 140. www.irs-az.com 13 Always topical
Khurramites who sought to restore tion of blue, red and green col these colors is found in carpets, em- pagan religion of fire worshiping in ors we can see on the products broideries and even on the architec- Azerbaijan, chose red flags and red of traditional Azerbaijani crafts. tural structures. clothes as a symbol of fire. However, Thus, the combination of precious In the European historiography, it would be wrong to consider red stones of blue, red and green colors it is believed that at one time the crescent was a Byzantine symbol Extensive use of a combination of blue, red and green colors we borrowed by Ottoman Muslims after can see on the products of traditional Azerbaijani crafts. the capture of Constantinople by the Turks19. However, studies show that color as a symbol of struggle or fire can be seen on the Tabriz helmet of the crescent and eight-pointed worshiping. Review of old miniatures, XVI century, shield of Shamaki crafts- star were used as a symbol in the textiles and carpets have shown that men of XVI century, steel bracers of East even earlier20. For the ancient red was one of the favorite colors in XVI century, on a leather shield of Egyptians, believers of pagan reli- Azerbaijan, perceived as a synonym Tabriz masters of XVII century, mac- gion, the crescent was a symbol of for beauty. Red color had a lot of their goddess Isis and Khathor and values, one of which interpreted as was considered a symbol of prosper- a symbol of progress by the Azerbai- HISTORY ity and growth. In ancient Egypt the jani ideologues in the beginning of moon god was presented with the the twentieth century. lunar disk and crescent on his head. In contrast to red, green means In ancient Mesopotamia, the cres- only good. It is a color of the vegeta- cent and star – were symbols of the tion and the birth of a new life. The goddess Ishtar. In the Sassanid Em- blue color as a color of Turkism is as- pire images of crescent with a star sociated with the traditional worship were found on coins of almost all of the Turkic peoples to the heavenly the rulers. Image of crescent on the god - Tanri (tengri). This is where the flags of the Arab Caliphate became name “Göktürk” - Blue Turks takes its gradually seen as a symbol of Islam in roots. By the end of the nineteenth general. Since the era of crusades century green color was seen as a Image of 8-pointed star with the crescent was clearly perceived as color of Islam while blue - the color of inside inscription of “Allah” on a symbol of Islam. Star is a popular the wall of the Momine-Khatun Turkism in the East and Europe. Thus symbol in many cultures. The star has mausoleum the national flag of Azerbaijan was long served as a symbol of eternity, (XII century, Nakhchivan). adopted to be in three colors blue, but later - a symbol of high aspira- red and green. During Soviet power tions and ideals. Star – is an emblem the national flag was changed leav- es of XVII century kept today at the of happiness. The figure “8” in the East ing only blue and red colors but this State Armory in Moscow, on a throne had a sacred value, with an image time with different meanings. Green constructed in Tabriz, and presented of the Turkic goddess Umai always which symbolized Islam was com- as a gift by the Safavid Shah to Tsar placed in the ring with eight spokes21. pletely removed from the flag. Boris Godunov18. The National Mu- On the vast expanse from Mesopota- In the modern heraldry red sym- seum of Azerbaijani History contains mia to the Australia the eight-point- bolizes strength, power while dark a large amount of jewelry decorated ed star was seen as a symbol of the blue expresses - honor and dignity; with precious stones of blue, red and planet Venus. In Islam, the crescent green - freedom, hope and health17. green colors with images of a cres- moon is seen as an important sym- Extensive use of a combina cent and star. The combination of bol of divinity and supreme power.
19. D.E. Eremeyev, Origin of the Turks. M., 1971, p.156. 20. David Rohl, The genesis of civilization. Where we came from. M., 2003, 510,143; A.B. Vinogradov, Centuries buried in the desert. M., 1966, p. 29. E.Y. Scheinina, Encyclopedia of symbols, signs, emblems. M., 2006, p. 9. 21. Haji Murad. The Europe, the Turks, the Great Steppe. M., 1998, p.140. 22. A. Alekber, Azerbaijan is a «country of light» // Notes of the conference dedicated to the «Problems of Azerbaijani history and their reflection in the modern scientific and educational publications» B., 1995, p. 9. 23. N. Guluzade. Once again, the cult of the bull in Azerbaijan // Notes of the international conference dedicated to the «Archaeology, technology and folklore of Caucasus». B., 2005, p.83-84.
14 www.irs-az.com According to Islamic tradition, the alien to Azerbaijan. capital of Azerbaijan”. In accordance eighth stage of the paradise (“Jannet- In the late 80-ies of the twentieth with this decision an area of 20 thou- ul-Ali”) was created by Almighty God century the national liberation move- sand square meters is allocated on from light22. ment spread all over the country and Bail cape, where relevant works are The history of the crescent and a tricolor flag of ADR was restored as progressing on the construction of a eight-pointed star dates back to the a national symbol. November 17, 35 m wide and 70 m long flag weigh- ancient past in Azerbaijan. Thus, on 1990 at the 1st session of the Su ing 350 kg on the flagpole of 162 m a number of clay vessels from the preme Majlis of Nakhchivan Au height. The works also include the Bronze Age there are depictions of tonomous Republic flag of ADR construction of the Flag Museum. animals (deer, bull, goat), the horns was adopted as the national flag On September 15, 2008 a presi- of which have a crescent shape. Ac- of autonomy. November 29, 1990 dential decree “On the Standard of cording to researchers, these horns a decree was issued “to change the President of the Azerbaijan Re- were considered a symbol of the the name and the national flag public” was issued which approves moon23. In The National Museum of of the Azerbaijan SSR”, which was the form of the Standard, with the Azerbaijani History there is a bronze ratified later on Feb. 5, 1991 by the use of colors of the national flag. On pommel of the Standard with the Milli Majlis of the Republic. Novem- November 17, 2009 President issued image of two eight-pointed stars (III- ber 12, 1995 on a nationwide vote - a decree on the establishment of II centuries BC). Images of these stars the first Constitution of independent “Day of State Flag” of the Azerbaijan can also be seen on the noses of Azerbaijan was adopted, 23rd Article Republic. In accordance with the de- ships on rock carvings of Gobustan. of which describes the tricolor flag of cree Day of State Flag is celebrated There is a curious image of the king the republic. on November 9 of each year. The provisions of the decree indicate the November 17, 1990 at the 1st session of the Supreme Majlis of importance of our three-color flag Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic flag of ADR was adopted as the by stating: “As a memory to the Azer- baijani Democratic Republic this flag national flag of autonomy. November 29, 1990 a decree was issued demonstrates our commitment to “to change the name and the national flag of the Azerbaijan SSR”, freedom, national values and univer- which was ratified later on Feb. 5, 1991 by the Milli Majlis of the sal ideals.” Republic. of Caucasian Albania Javanshir (629- Promoting the national flag is the 681) in the form of a bronze censer subject of a number of official docu- (VII century; now stored in the State ments. On March 13, 1998 the Presi- Hermitage). Image of the crescent dent of the Republic issued a Decree is clearly visible at the crown of the on strengthening the work “on the king. The significance of a crescent state attributes of the Azerbaijan and eight-pointed star survived Republic”. The document states that through the Islamic era. Thus, on the “the education of our citizens, espe- wall of the mausoleum of Momine cially our youth, in a spirit of deep Khatun in Nakhchivan (XII century) reverence of public attributes serves there is an image of an eight-point- to strengthen the patriotic spirit in ed star with the word “Allah” written the society.” Presidential Decree “On inside. In the later periods, the im- the rules of using the State Flag” dat- age of a crescent and star became ed June 8, 2004 regulates the forms widespread and frequently used in and instances of using the flag. On subjects of arts and crafts. February 7, 2006 President issued an ADR fell as a result of the April order on the creation of a “Heraldic 1920 occupation and a Soviet re- Council under the President of the gime was established in Azerbaijan. Republic of Azerbaijan.” On Novem- All the attributes of independence ber 17, 2007 another presidential and statehood have been eliminat- decree was issued “On creation of ed and replaced by Soviet symbols the flag square in the city of Baku the www.irs-az.com 15