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Flag of Turkey

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The national flag of Turkey is a powerful symbol of the country.

Vertical Flag of Turkey
Vertical Flag of Turkey

It features a white crescent moon and a white star. These shapes are set against a bright red background. People often call it "the red flag." In the Turkish national anthem, it is called "the red banner." This flag represents the identity and history of the Turkish people. It serves as a central emblem for the nation and its government.

Creating the flag requires very strict geometric rules.

Flag of Turkey (construction sheet)
Flag of Turkey (construction sheet)

These rules are defined by the Turkish Flag Law. The law sets the exact tone of red to be used. It also dictates the geometric proportions of the crescent and the star. For example, the distance between the inner circle of the crescent and a specific vertical line is measured as G = 0.34875 G. The left point of the star even extends about 0.0154 G beyond that line. Even the white hem at the hoist has a specific measure.

This design has roots in the history of the Ottoman Empire.

Flag of the Ottoman Empire
Flag of the Ottoman Empire

The star and crescent design appeared on Ottoman flags in the late 18th or early 19th century. The specific version with a white star and crescent on a red background was introduced in 1844. When the Republic of Turkey was declared in 1923, the new government chose to keep this design. They maintained the last flag used by the Ottoman Empire. This connection links the modern republic to its historical past.

Laws have been passed over many years to manage the flag. On May 29, 1936, the Turkish Flag Law No. 2994 was established. This law laid down the fundamental rules for the flag during the Republic period. Later, regulations were enacted in 1937 and 1939 to explain how to implement these rules. Another important law, No. 2893, was passed on September 22, 1983. This law was published in the Official Gazette on September 24, 1983. These legal steps ensure the flag is produced and used correctly.

State institutions display the flag with great prominence.

National Cockade of Turkey
National Cockade of Turkey

You can find the flag in schools and government ministries. It flies over the Beştepe Presidential Complex and the Parliament. It is also seen on bridges, airports, and buildings owned by the state. Even small local offices, known as muhtar's offices, feature the flag. It is a constant presence in the official life of the country.

Members of the military also wear the flag on their uniforms. Soldiers may have a flag patch on their right shoulder or the front of their uniform. The flag can even appear on helmets, either on the front or the sides. Different groups, like the navy or the Jandarma, feature the flag on patches. It is also used in various emblems and patches with different levels of prominence. This shows the flag's importance to those who serve the nation.

Turkish citizens use the flag to express many different emotions. During national celebrations like Republic Day, people carry flags through the streets. They also use flags to mark battle victories. On the other hand, the flag is used during times of mourning. It may be flown at half staff to honor important deaths or tragic events. At funerals, a burial flag is often draped over the coffin. This flag might be carried by military police or by the relatives of the deceased.

There are also specific rules for how the flag is used in other places. In the Republic of Cyprus, the flag has a special role. According to the Constitution of Cyprus, community authorities can hoist the Turkish flag. They may fly it alongside the flag of Cyprus during holidays. Any citizen in Cyprus can fly the Turkish or Greek flag without restriction. This allows the flag to exist as a symbol within a broader international context.

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🖼️ Images & Media (4)
File:Flag of the Ottoman Empire.svg
Flag of the Ottoman Empire.svg
File:Flag of Turkey (construction sheet).svg
Flag of Turkey (construction sheet).svg
File:Vertical Flag of Turkey.svg
Vertical Flag of Turkey.svg
File:National Cockade of Turkey.svg
National Cockade of Turkey.svg
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