The flag of Azerbaijan consists of three horizontal stripes of blue, red, and green. The blue stripe represents Turkic heritage and is a nod to Azerbaijan's connection with other Turkic peoples. The red symbolizes progress and modernization, reflecting the country’s aspirations for development and democracy. The green stripe signifies Islam and the country’s commitment to cultural values. In the center of the flag, there is a white crescent moon and an eight-pointed star, both of which are traditional symbols of Islam. The crescent represents the Islamic faith, while the eight-pointed star reflects the historical and cultural significance of the Turkic peoples. This flag was officially adopted on November 9, 1918, and re-established after Azerbaijan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991​.