Authors to Correct State Symbol: Kyrgyzstan’s Flag
Speaker of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan, Nurlanbek Shakiev, has met with the authors of the state flag, Zhusup Mataev and Bekbosun Zhaichybekov, as well as state and public figure Medetkan Sherimkulov, to discuss proposals for changing the main state symbol. The Parliament’s press service reported on the meeting.
Shakiev acknowledged that there are different views regarding the state flag but emphasized the importance of the flag as a key national symbol. Taking into account these diverse opinions, Shakiev announced that he, along with deputy Ulan Primov, will be initiating the development of a bill to change certain elements of the flag.
“The national flag is one of our key symbols. This flag is also carried by our athletes, outstanding compatriots, each of whom represents Kyrgyzstan at prestigious international competitions and defends the honor of our people. Therefore, we must treat it with care and avoid misunderstandings,” stated Shakiev.
Furthermore, Shakiev stressed the significance of considering the opinions of the flag’s authors and the public in the process of changing the elements of the flag.
Medetkan Sherimkulov provided insight into how the flag was adopted, mentioning that over 700 proposals were received and around 100 were considered. The final version, which incorporated elements of the tunduk symbol and rays of the sun, was chosen to represent unity, cohesion, and the aspiration for the development of their independent state. However, Sherimkulov noted that the original version has undergone various changes and has been interpreted differently. Therefore, Sherimkulov, along with the other authors, believes it is necessary to revise some of its elements while maintaining the original concept.
Bekbosun Zhaichybekov highlighted cases where the original elements of the flag were altered without proper control. He stated, “We are not against making changes to refine the original version and clarify some elements, while maintaining the original concept. However, after choosing a refined option, it is necessary to strictly control the preservation of each of its elements.”
The authors, along with Sherimkulov, declared that they will jointly consider the issue of changing the elements of the flag and present a specific version within 10 days. Shakiev assured that the bill’s initiators will remain faithful to the basic concept and take into account the opinions of the authors and the public when adopting the updated version of the flag.
The proposal to change one of the country’s state symbols, the flag, has been made by Speaker Nurlanbek Shakiyev and Deputy Ulan Primov. They argue that there is a dilemma in the visual interpretation of the rays of the sun with a tunduk in the middle on the flag, as it can be perceived as a sunflower or the outer part of a yurt.
“To eliminate the ambiguous interpretation of the flag image, measures need to be taken. Therefore, it is proposed to change the shape of the rays on the flag of the Kyrgyz Republic from wavy to a shape that clearly resembles the rays of the sun,” stated the background statement.
In conclusion, the intention to change certain elements of the Kyrgyzstan state flag has sparked discussion among lawmakers and the public. The importance of carefully considering the opinions of the flag’s authors and the public while preserving the original concept is emphasized. Within 10 days, a specific revised version of the flag will be presented for further consideration.
