State Symbols


The flag, the coat of arms, and the anthem awaken patriotic feelings in each of us. May these sacred attributes of independence always serve the unity of the nation. - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
The Constitutional Law "On State Symbols of the Republic of Kazakhstan" was adopted on June 4, 2007. In accordance with this Law, June 4 is annually celebrated as the Day of State Symbols in the Republic of Kazakhstan. State symbols are one of the integral attributes of any state, embodying its identity and sovereignty. In the Republic of Kazakhstan, the state symbols are the State Flag, the State Coat of Arms, and the State Anthem.

Flag

The flag is one of the main symbols of the state, embodying its sovereignty and identity. The term "flag" comes from the Dutch word "vlag". A flag is a cloth of established sizes and colors attached to a pole or cord, usually with an image of the coat of arms or emblem on it. Since ancient times, the flag has served to unite the people of the country and identify them with a specific state entity. The State Flag of independent Kazakhstan was officially adopted in 1992. Its author is the artist Shaken Niyazbekov. The State Flag of the Republic of Kazakhstan is a rectangular cloth of sky-blue color with an image of the sun with rays in the center, under which is a soaring golden eagle (berkut). At the flagpole is a vertical stripe with a national ornament. The image of the sun, its rays, the eagle, and the national ornament are gold in color. The ratio of the flag's width to its length is 1:2. In the traditions of heraldry, each color symbolizes a specific concept. Thus, the sky-blue color symbolizes honesty, loyalty, and impeccability. In addition, the sky-blue color has a deep symbolic meaning in Turkic culture. The ancient Turks always revered the sky as their father-god, and their sky-blue banner symbolized devotion to the father-ancestor. On the State Flag of Kazakhstan, it symbolizes a clear sky, peace, and well-being, and the monochrome background symbolizes the unity of our country. According to heraldic canons, the sun symbolizes wealth and abundance, life and energy. Therefore, the sun's rays on the country's flag are shaped like grain – a symbol of prosperity and well-being. The image of the sun in the state attributes of Kazakhstan confirms its commitment to universal human values and indicates that the new young state is full of life-affirming energy and is open to all countries of the world for partnership and cooperation. The image of the eagle (berkut) is one of the main heraldic attributes, long used in the coats of arms and flags of many peoples. This image is usually perceived as a symbol of power, foresight, and generosity. The berkut soaring under the sun embodies the strength of the state, its sovereignty and independence, and the pursuit of high goals and a sustainable future. The image of the berkut occupies a special place in the worldview of Eurasian nomads. They associate it with such concepts as freedom and loyalty, a sense of dignity and courage, power, and purity of intentions. The stylized silhouette of the golden berkut reflects the aspiration of the young sovereign state to the heights of world civilization. An important element of the state flag is the vertical stripe with a national ornament located at its flagpole. The Kazakh ornament is one of the forms of a specific artistic perception of the world in strict accordance with the aesthetic tastes of the people. Representing a harmony of various forms and lines, it is an expressive means of revealing the inner world of the people. The national ornament along the flagpole symbolizes the culture and traditions of the people of Kazakhstan.

Coat of Arms
The coat of arms is one of the main symbols of the state. The term "coat of arms" comes from the German word "erbe" (heritage) and means a hereditary distinctive sign – a combination of figures and objects to which symbolic meaning is attached. History shows that even the Bronze Age nomads who lived on the territory of modern Kazakhstan identified themselves with a special symbol – a totem, whose graphic expression later became known as "tamga." This term was first used in the Turkic Khaganate. The Coat of Arms of sovereign Kazakhstan was officially adopted in 1992. Its authors are the famous architects Zhandarbek Malibekov and Shot-Aman Ualikhanov. The State Coat of Arms of the Republic of Kazakhstan has the shape of a circle (wheel) – a symbol of life and eternity, which was especially revered among the nomads of the Great Steppe. The central heraldic element in the state coat of arms is the image of the shanyrak (the upper vaulted part of a yurt) against a sky-blue background, from which uyki (supports) radiate in all directions like sunbeams. To the right and left of the shanyrak are images of mythical winged horses (tulpars). In the upper part is a three-dimensional five-pointed star, and in the lower part is the inscription "Qazaqstan." The image of the star, shanyrak, uyki, mythical horses, as well as the inscription "Qazaqstan" are made in gold color. The shanyrak is the main system-forming part of the yurt, resembling a celestial dome in shape and being one of the key elements of life organization in the traditional culture of Eurasian nomads. In the State Coat of Arms of the republic, the image of the shanyrak is a symbol of a common home and a united Motherland for all peoples living in the country. The stable development of Kazakhstan depends on the well-being of every citizen, just as the strength and stability of the shanyrak depend on the reliability of all its uyki (supports). The winged mythical horses (tulpars) in the state coat of arms are a key heraldic element. The image of a horse has symbolized such concepts as bravery, loyalty, and strength since time immemorial. The wings symbolize the centuries-old dream of the multinational people of Kazakhstan to build a strong and prosperous state. They testify to pure intentions and the desire for consistent improvement and creative development. The golden wings of the steeds also resemble golden ears of wheat and represent the hard work of Kazakhstanis and the material well-being of the country. In past centuries, horns were actively used in the cult rituals of nomads, as well as as finials for their battle banners. Images of heavenly grace, earthly fertility, and military success in the form of horns of various animals have always occupied significant places in the symbolic compositions of various peoples. Thus, the winged horse with a horn of plenty is an important typological image that has deep semantic and historical roots. Another detail in the state coat of arms of the republic is the five-pointed star. This symbol has been used by mankind since ancient times and embodies the constant striving of people for the light of truth, for everything sublime and eternal. The image of the star in the state coat of arms reflects the desire of Kazakhstanis to build a country open for cooperation and partnership with all the peoples of the world. The hearts and embraces of the residents of Kazakhstan are open to representatives of all five continents. The main color used in the state coat of arms is gold, which serves as a symbol of wealth, justice, and generosity. The color of the flag is also present – sky-blue, which harmonizes with the color of gold and symbolizes a clear sky, peace, and well-being.