Turkic States adopt new flag to symbolize unity, prosperity

The Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has officially adopted a new flag that represents the unity, cultural heritage, and shared values of the Turkic nations. 

The decision, made during the Council's meeting in Bishkek on November 6, marks a significant step in strengthening the cooperation among member states and fostering mutual progress, Caliber.Az reports.

The flag, described in two annexes, features a distinctive design that incorporates powerful symbols of Turkic identity. At the centre of the flag is an octagon, a crescent and star, and a sun with forty evenly diverging rays, all placed against a vibrant turquoise blue background. The choice of blue symbolizes peace, prosperity, and unity, while the octagon stands as a symbol of the centuries-old Turkic statehood, embodying stability, interconnectedness, and wisdom. The sun, with its rays, represents vitality, openness, and a shared vision for the future. The crescent and star reflect the aspirations for progress and growth of the Turkic nations.

The adoption of the flag was based on the Agreed Minutes of the Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking States held in 2012. The decision reinforces the commitment of member states to enhance multifaceted cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres.

In addition to adopting the flag, the heads of state decided to harmonize the colour schemes of the flags of other Turkic cooperation organizations to align with the new symbol of the Organization of Turkic States. This move further signifies the unity and solidarity among the Turkic world.

The adoption ceremony was attended by the Presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan, who collectively underscored the importance of this momentous decision in reinforcing the shared identity and vision for the future of the Turkic nations.

The leaders present at the meeting included:

• President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan

• President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan

• President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan

• President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye

• President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan

The new flag is expected to be a visible symbol of the ongoing collaboration among the member states of the Organization of Turkic States, and a reminder of the common cultural and historical ties that unite them in their shared pursuit of peace, prosperity, and progress.

This decision marks an important milestone in the history of the Organization of Turkic States, and highlights the continued efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and unity in the face of a rapidly changing world.

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS), originally known as the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States (Turkic Council), was founded in 2009 as an intergovernmental body with the primary goal of fostering cooperation among Turkic-speaking nations. Its establishment aimed to strengthen ties in various sectors, including political, economic, and cultural collaboration, while promoting shared values and mutual interests.

Founding and expansion

The OTS was initially composed of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye. In October 2019, Uzbekistan joined as a full member during the 7th Summit in Baku. The organization's membership has further expanded with Hungary attaining observer status at the 6th Summit in 2018, and Turkmenistan joining in November 2021. In November 2022, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus became a member, and in 2023, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was granted Observer status.

Core objectives and principles

The OTS operates in alignment with the principles of the United Nations Charter and universally recognized norms of international law, which include sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of internationally recognized borders. Its mission is to foster peace, stability, and cooperation among its members while promoting good neighbourly relations and security.

The OTS aims to advance regional development through multilateral cooperation, serving as a platform for Turkic-speaking countries to collaborate across various fields such as economy, science, education, transportation, customs, and tourism. While rooted in shared history, culture, and language, the organization does not limit itself to these commonalities but actively seeks broader international engagement to enhance regional stability, especially in Central Asia and the Caucasus.