New flag of Organization of Turkic States adopted

The new flag of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has been adopted.

According to Report, the relevant decision was made at the 11th Summit meeting of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States held in Bishkek.

The decision reads:

"In recognition of the shared historical and cultural values that unite the Turkic nations, and reaffirming the commitment to strengthening multifaceted cooperation, mutual progress, unity and solidarity, based on the Agreed Minutes of the Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States held on
22 August 2012, in Bishkek, the Council of Heads of State hereby decided:

1. To adopt the flag of the Organization of Turkic States, along with its description, as outlined in Annexes 1 and 2.
2. In accordance with Paragraph 1 of the present Decision, to proceed with the harmonisation of the color schemes of the flags of other Turkic Cooperation Organizations in alignment with the flag of the Organization of Turkic States, and to adopt the updated flags of these organizations."

It was noted that the flag's design features an octagon, a crescent and star, and a sun with evenly diverging straight rays centered on a turquoise blue field.

The blue background (Pantone 3125C) symbolizes the clear sky, peace, and prosperity. This monochromatic backdrop signifies the unity of the Turkic nations. Historically, blue has been associated with Turkic culture and traditions, further reinforcing its cultural significance.

The octagon represents the centuries-old Turkic statehood, symbolizing the sign of the affirmation of the republic (hurriyat), stability, interconnectedness and strength derived from the common Turkic cultural heritage. In Turkic and Islamic traditions, the octagon is a symbol of guidance and wisdom, serving as a beacon for the Organization's path forward.

The sun, with its evenly diverging forty straight rays, symbolizes light, openness, and vitality. The rays represent the shared values and common vision that illuminate the path for the Turkic world, guiding it towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

The crescent and star, a well-known symbol across the Turkic world, stands for the Turkic statehood, growth, aspirations for the future and progress. These elements reflect the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the Organization, based on the rich shared history of the Turkic states.

This flag encapsulates the core symbols of Turkic identity, unity, common heritage, and comprehensive cooperation, which are central to the mission of the Organization of Turkic States.