The current flag of Azerbaijan, officially adopted on November 9, 1918, and later reinstated on February 5, 1991, following the country’s independence from the Soviet Union, is a tricolor consisting of three equal horizontal bands of blue, red, and green. A white crescent and an eight-pointed star are situated in the center of the red band.

Description and Symbolism

1. Colors and Their Symbolism:

• Blue: Represents the country’s Turkic heritage and stands for the Turkic freedom.
• Red: Symbolizes progress and the development of democracy in Azerbaijan.
• Green: Represents the nation’s connection to the Islamic civilization.

2. Crescent and Star:

• White Crescent: Has long been a symbol of Islam, representing the faith of the majority of Azerbaijan’s population.
• Eight-Pointed Star: Known as the Rub El Hizb, is an Islamic symbol. The eight points of the star represent the eight Turkic peoples, highlighting Azerbaijan’s Turkic heritage.

Historical Context

The design of the flag has roots in the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), which existed from 1918 to 1920. When the ADR was established, it was the first secular democratic Muslim-majority state. The flag designed during this period was meant to symbolize the new, progressive nature of the state, while also paying homage to the country’s Islamic and Turkic heritage. When the ADR was incorporated into the Soviet Union, the flag was replaced. However, it was reinstated after Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991.

Modern Usage

Today, the flag is a powerful national symbol and is flown on government buildings, used in national events, and is respected across the country. November 9 is celebrated as the State Flag Day in Azerbaijan, and it is a day of national pride and reflection on the country’s history and heritage.