Azerbaijan’s flag (re‑adopted 5 February 1991) is a horizontal tricolour—blue, red, green—with a white crescent and eight‑pointed star centred. Blue denotes Turkic heritage; red progress and modernity; green Islam. First raised by the 1918–1920 Democratic Republic, it was replaced under Soviet rule, then restored before independence. Law fixes a 1:2 ratio, geometry, protocol, and penalties for desecration.
Azerbaijan’s tricolour with crescent and eight‑pointed star is a synthesis of Turkic heritage, Islamic culture, and modern state aspirations. First adopted by the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) in 1918, it was abolished after Sovietisation in 1920 and restored on 5 February 1991 amid the USSR’s dissolution.
ADR Adoption (1918–1920) The blue–red–green bands encode Turkic identity (blue), progress and Europeanisation (red), and Islam (green). Centred on the red band are a white crescent and an eight‑pointed star. Interpretations of the star include the eight letters of “Azerbaijan” in pre‑Latin scripts or eight branches of the Turkic world.
Soviet Period The tricolour gave way to red Soviet flags bearing the hammer and sickle and local inscriptions. Usage and protocol matched union standards; national symbolism was largely suppressed in official contexts.
Restoration and Specification (1991–present) Upon restoration, law defined a 1:2 ratio, precise star/crescent geometry, and regulated display on government buildings, embassies, and military colours. Guidance covers half‑masting, precedence with foreign flags, and retirement of damaged flags. Desecration is an offence.
Symbolism
and Civic Role The flag functions as a unifying emblem in state ceremonies, in the armed forces, and across the diaspora. It has appeared prominently during conflicts and international sport, consolidating post‑Soviet identity.
Continuity Unchanged since restoration, the design signals both historical continuity with the ADR and the republic’s commitment to a modern, secular state rooted in Turkic and Islamic traditions.