Emblem of Turkmenistan

Symbolism

The Türkmenistanyň gerbi is a state symbol that combines the cultural heritage of the Turkmen ancestors, Oguz Khan and the Seljuk dynasty, who in ancient times created a powerful empire, significantly affecting the development of the Turkmens and their Turkic relatives as a whole.

The five traditional carpet motifs on the red disc represent the five major tribes or houses, and stand for the traditional and religious values of the country. These Turkmen tribes in traditional order are Teke (Tekke), Yomut (Yomud), Ärsary (Ersary), Chowdur (Choudur), and Saryk (Saryq). The Salyr (Salor), a tribe that declined as a result of military defeat before the modern period, are not represented, nor are several smaller tribes or subtribes.

The green and red colors appear in this shield because they have been venerated historically by the Turkmen. The central elements are surrounded by sheaves of wheat that allude to the custom to welcome to guests with salt and bread and to the claim that Turkmenistan is the place of origin of white wheat. Atop the wheat and the red circle appear a waxing crescent moon of white, typical of Turkic symbology, and five five-pointed stars also of white. The waxing crescent moon symbolizes the hope of the country for a shining future and the stars represent the five provinces (welayatlar) of Turkmenistan-Ahal, Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap, and Mary. Most of the elements of the coat of arms are present in the national flag.

Before independence from the USSR, Turkmenistan had an emblem similar to all other Soviet Republics. A single carpet gül, not matching any of the tribal patterns, was represented on the Coat of arms of the Turkmen SSR.