THE FLAG OF TAJIKISTAN - A TAPESTRY OF NATIONAL IDENTITY

“The Flag is the emblem of freedom, flourishing, a bright future and the very pillar of pride for every severing nation.”   Emomali Rahmon

The flag of the Republic of Tajikistan is the most prominent symbol and representative of the nation, embodying its history, culture, and aspirations.

The Supreme Council of Republic of Tajikistan on the 24th of November in 1992 adopted the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Approval of the regulations on the State Flag of the republic of Tajikistan." It serves as a powerful visual declaration of the countrys sovereignty and the collective spirit of the Tajik people.

The flag is a horizontal tricolor of red, white, and green, with the colors arranged in a specific ratio of 2:3:2. In the center of the white stripe is a gold emblem featuring a crown surmounted by an arc of seven five-pointed stars. Each element and color holds deep, deliberate meaning:

• Red (Top Stripe): This vibrant color traditionally symbolizes the sun, victory, and the unity of the nation. Historically, it also represents the struggles and sacrifices made for freedom and independence. In a modern context, it often signifies the nation's high social ideals and the workers.
• White (Middle Stripe): Occupying the largest band, white is the traditional color of cotton, a major component of Tajikistan's economy. More broadly, it symbolizes peace, purity, and snow, referring to the high, often snow-capped mountains of the Pamir range, which cover a significant portion of the country's landmass.
• Green (Bottom Stripe): Representing the fertile valleys, nature, and prosperity, green signifies the agricultural abundance and the flourishing life of the nation.

The Central Emblem

The crown and stars are the unique defining feature of the Tajik flag.

• The Crown: The stylized gold crown is central to Tajik identity. It represents the Samanid dynasty, which presided over the golden age of the Tajik state. Crucially, the word Tajik itself is sometimes interpreted to mean "crown," further solidifying this emblem's importance as a symbol of the nation.
• The Seven Stars: The arc of seven stars traditionally symbolizes the seven historic regions of Tajikistan. In ancient Persian and Zoroastrian beliefs, the number seven is also a potent symbol of perfection and happiness.

The current flag replaced the flag of the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR) following the country's independence in 1991. The transition to the new banner was a critical step in decolonization and national self-determination.

In a nation marked by diverse regional identities and a history of civil conflict in the 1990s, the national flag stands as a paramount symbol of territorial integrity and national unity. When it is flown at international summits, sporting events, or inside the country's borders, it instills a sense of collective pride and reminds citizens of their shared cultural legacy and common future. It is a powerful, silent ambassador, representing the dreams, dignity, and independence of the Republic of Tajikistan on the world stage.

 The annual celebration of State Flag Day is clear proof of our pride and deep respect for the sacred values of our people, above all the State Flag of Tajikistan.

Some foreign sayings about Flag:

"A thoughtful mind, when it sees a Nation's flag, sees not the flag only, but the Nation itself..."

- Henry Ward Beecher (American Abolitionist and Clergyman)

"The flag is the embodiment, not of a sentiment, but of a history."

- Woodrow Wilson (28th U.S. President)

"A man may climb Everest for himself, but at the summit he plants his country’s flag."

 - Margaret Thatcher (Former British Prime Minister)

 "To survive in peace and harmony, united and strong, we must have one people, one nation, one flag."

 -Pauline Hanson (Australian Politician)

  “The Flag is not merely a piece of fabric; it is the living soul of the nation”

  -Charles de Gaulle (French general)

Long live my Homeland,

My free Tajikistan!

Fatozoda Aminjon Toirjon, A senior teacher of the linguistics and comparative typology department