98-year old national flag: a source of national pride
By Amina Nazarli
On November 9 Azerbaijan marks the 98th anniversary of the Azerbaijani flag -- its main state symbol. The tricolor flag is one of the greatest attribute of Azerbaijan, representing the nation throughout the world.
From the very ancient times flags had a military significance. They were particularly protected during battles, their fall or capture by the enemy meant defeat.
Back then the flag symbolized the victory and one's identity. Nothing has changed today. Still, the national anthem and country's flag are raised in honor of the winner meaning the love and respect towards the flag.
Azerbaijanis always place their flag over their heads as a reminder of national martyrs and a symbol of the country’s victories.
The current national flag, which was inherited from the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), was adopted on November 9, 1918, at a meeting of ADR's government.
A new state flag was raised over the building of the Parliament on December 7, 1918.
"Once raised flag never falls!" was the motto of the glorious independence movement in Azerbaijan in the beginning of the 20th century, pronounced by Mammad Amin Rasulzade, brightest and most prominent political figure, while declaring Azerbaijan's independence.
In his speech, Rasulzade said: "... this tricolor flag, symbolizing the independent Azerbaijan, raised by the National Council and meaning Turkic freedom, Islamic culture, and modernity, will always wave over us ...".
However, after the establishment of Soviet power in April 1920 in the country, the ADR fell and all the attributes of independence and statehood were also eliminated. But, as the history shows, fortunately, it was only for a while
After regaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan's flag once again waved over the Land of Fire.
In accordance with a presidential decree on November 17, 2009, Azerbaijanis celebrate National Flag Day in memory of the ADR.
The citizens of an independent Azerbaijan regard this tricolor banner, symbolizing the independence of Azerbaijan, as a source of pride, freedom, unity and the glory of many generations.
During the event, Azerbaijanis remember their loyalty to the nation, reaffirm their belief in liberty and justice, and observe the nation’s unity.
Many people in the country honor this day by displaying the national flag in homes and public buildings.
The first blue stripe stands for the Turkic origin of Azerbaijani people and its Turkic heritage and is connected with the idea of Turkism. The middle red stripe means building a modern society, developing a democratic and modernized country. The third green stripe expresses affiliation with Islamic civilization and the Islamic religion.
The crescent on the flag is a symbol of the Turkic people. The eight-pointed star has two meanings: One is related to the way of writing the word "Azerbaijan" in the old alphabet, which was written with eight letters. The second meaning is connected to the principles of Mammad Amin Rasulzade, the founder of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic: Turkism, Islamism, modernity, statehood, democracy, equality and culture.
Today the Azerbaijani flag is recognized worldwide. The symbol of an independent Azerbaijan rises above many political tribunes and international organizations.
Azerbaijanis are proud of their flag and show it by waving the flag in every country they visit and live in around the world.
The capital Baku has one of the tallest flags in the world.
On 17 November 2007 the president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed a directive to create State Flag Square in Baku.
In December of the same year, the foundation of State Flag Square was laid near the Naval Base in the Bayil settlement of Baku. The directive defined the dimensions of the state flag as follows: the flagpole is 162 meters high, the flag’s dimensions are 35x70 meters, its area 2,450 square meters, its weight 350 kg.
The ceremonial opening of State Flag Square took place on 1 September 2010.
Moreover, the National Flag Museum, opened in 2010, was built under the flag pillar in the form of an eight-pointed star. The museum features flags, symbols, state emblems and the banknotes of states that existed on Azerbaijan's territory from ancient times until its independence.
The celebration of the 98th anniversary of the flag is a great pride for Azerbaijanis, as they owe the people who carried it through the years of prosperity and oblivion, fall and revival of the Azerbaijani statehood.
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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli
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