National symbols of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The Constitutional Law “On National Symbols of the Republic of Kazakhstan” was adopted on June 4, 2007. In accordance with this Law, on June 4 is annually celebrated as the day of state symbols in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

National symbols are one of the inalienable attributes of any state, embodying its identity and sovereignty. In the Republic of Kazakhstan, state symbols are the State Flag, the National Emblem and the National Anthem.

National symbols of the Republic of Kazakhstan

State Coat of Arms of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The coat of arms is one of the main symbols of the state. The term “emblem” comes from the German word “erbe” (inheritance) and means a hereditary distinctive sign – a combination of figures and objects, which are given a symbolic meaning.

The history shows that even the nomads of the Bronze Age, who lived in the territory of modern Kazakhstan, identified themselves with a special symbol – the totem, the graphic expression of which later received the name “tamga”. For the first time this term began to be used in the Turkic Kaganate.

The coat of arms of sovereign Kazakhstan was officially adopted in 1992. Its authors are well-known architects Zhandarbek Malibekov and Shot-Aman Ualikhanov.

The coat of arms of the Republic of Kazakhstan has the shape of a circle (wheels) – it is a symbol of life and eternity, which enjoyed a special honor among the nomads of the Great Steppe.

The central heraldic element in the state emblem is the image of the shanyrak (upper vaulted part of the yurt) against a blue background, from which uyks (supports) diverge in all directions in the form of sun rays. To the right and left of the shanyrak are images of mythical winged horses. In the upper part there is a voluminous five-pointed star, and in the lower part there is the inscription “Kazakhstan”. The image of the star, shanyrak, uykov, mythical horses, as well as the inscription “Kazakhstan”  are made in the color of gold.

Shanyrak is the main system-forming part of the yurt, resembling a heavenly dome in shape, and is one of the key elements of the living arrangement in the traditional culture of Eurasian nomads. In the State Emblem of the Republic, the image of a shanyrak is a symbol of a common home and a single homeland for all peoples living in the country. The stable development of Kazakhstan depends on the well-being of every citizen, as the strength and stability of the shanyrak depends on the reliability of all of its uyks (supports).

The winged mythical horses in the state emblem are the key heraldic element. The image of the horse from time immemorial embodies such concepts as courage, loyalty and strength. The wings symbolize the centuries-old dream of the multinational people of Kazakhstan to build a strong and prosperous state. They testify to pure thoughts and striving for consistent improvement and creative development. Golden wings of horses also resemble golden spikes and personify the industriousness of Kazakhstan people and the material well-being of the country.

In past centuries, the horns were actively used in religious rituals of nomads, as well as the top of their battle banners. Images of heavenly grace, earthly fertility and military luck in the form of the horns of various animals have always occupied significant places in the symbolic compositions of various nations. Thus, a winged horse with a cornucopia is an important typological image that has deep semantic and historical roots.

Another detail in the national emblem of the republic is the five-pointed star. This symbol has been used by mankind since ancient times and personifies the constant striving of people for the light of truth, for everything sublime and eternal. The image of the star in the state emblem reflects the desire of Kazakhstan people to create a country open for cooperation and partnership with all the nations of the world. Hearts and hugs of the people of Kazakhstan are open to representatives of all five continents.

The main color used in the state emblem is the color of gold, which serves as a symbol of wealth, justice and generosity. Also present is the color of the flag is sky blue, which is in harmony with the color of gold and symbolizes the clear sky, peace and prosperity.

National symbols of the Republic of Kazakhstan

State flag of the Republic of Kazakhstan 

The flag is one of the main symbols of the state, personifying its sovereignty and identity. The term “flag” comes from the Dutch word “vlag”. A flag is a panel of established sizes and colors attached to a pole or cord, usually with a coat of arms or emblem on it. Since ancient times, the flag served as the unification of the people of the country and its identification with a certain 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 sky-blue cloth with an image in the center of the sun with rays, under which is a soaring eagle (golden eagle). At the shaft there is a vertical strip with a national ornament. The image of the sun, its rays, the eagle and the national ornament is the color of gold. The ratio of the width of the flag to its length – 1: 2.

In the tradition of heraldry, each color symbolizes a certain concept. Thus, the sky-blue color symbolizes honesty, loyalty and impeccability. In addition, the sky-blue color has a deep symbolic meaning in the Turkic culture. The ancient Turks always worshiped the sky as their god-father, and their sky-blue banner symbolized loyalty to the progenitor father. On the national flag of Kazakhstan, it symbolizes the clear sky, peace and prosperity, and the monochromatic background is the unity of our country.

Coming from heraldic canons, the sun symbolizes wealth and abundance, life and energy. Therefore, the sun’s rays on the flag of the country have the shape of a grain is a symbol of wealth and well-being. The image of the sun in the state paraphernalia 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 an eagle (golden eagle) is one of the main heraldic attributes that have long been used in the emblems and flags of many nations. This image is usually perceived as a symbol of power, foresight and generosity. A golden eagle soaring under the sun personifies the power of the state, its sovereignty and independence, the pursuit of lofty goals and a sustainable future. A special place is occupied by the image of the golden eagle in the worldview of Eurasian nomads. They associate it with such concepts as freedom and loyalty, sense of dignity and courage, power and purity of thoughts. The stylized silhouette of the golden eagle reflects the desire of the young sovereign state to the heights of world civilization.

The stylized silhouette of the golden eagle reflects the desire of the young sovereign state to the heights of world civilization.

An important element of the national flag is a vertical strip located at its shaft with a national ornament. 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 the harmony of various forms and lines, it is an expressive means of revealing the inner world of a people. The national ornament along the flagpole symbolizes the culture and traditions of the people of Kazakhstan.