Every year on the 18th of May, Turkmenistan solemnly celebrates Constitution and State Flag Day. Along with independence and neutrality, the Basic Law and national symbols testify to the statehood of the Turkmen people, its values, goals, objectives and directions of state policy.
In Turkmenistan, the constitution plays a special role in strengthening the national legal system. The legislative basis for the new stage of development was strengthened through constitutional reforms carried out in 2008, 2016 and 2020. The description in the Basic Law of the legal status of permanent neutrality of the country, three times recognised by the international community, was of great importance in establishing Turkmenistan as an initiator of peacekeeping ideas.
The country is working hard to create a unique model of national statehood that incorporates the spiritual and moral values of the people. Drawing on its rich historical experience to improve democratic principles of governance, the state is implementing programs to build a humane and just society. Over the past decades, the Basic Law of the Republic has become the foundation on which the unity of the people and the government has been strengthened, and has opened the way to a new creative epoch.
The constitution lays down the legislative foundations for governing the state and society. The Constitution of Turkmenistan protects human rights, enshrines democratic principles of governance, and defines the fundamental principles of development of the country.
The Basic Law, adopted in a new edition on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag and adapted to the requirements of the new stage of development of society and the country, reflects the integrity, supremacy of law and legal order in a democratic, legal, secular state. The main distinguishing feature of the Constitution of Turkmenistan is that it guarantees natural and inalienable human rights. The individual, his rights and freedoms are of the greatest importance for Turkmen society.
According to Article 4 of the Constitution, «In Turkmenistan, the highest value of society and the state is the individual. Protection, support and service to people are the main tasks of government bodies. The state is responsible to every citizen and ensures the creation of conditions for the free development of the individual, protects the life, honour, dignity, freedom, personal integrity, and the natural and inalienable rights of the citizen».
Improving the Basic Law, combined with socio-economic reforms, is the key to prosperity of the country and ensures a prosperous life for current and future generations of citizens of Turkmenistan.
The legal status, description and procedure for using the State Flag of Turkmenistan are determined by law. The national flag symbolises the rich heritage, culture, statehood, aspirations, peacefulness of the Turkmen people and their faith in a happy future for the country. The flag of the republic flies in all parts of the world and over all public organisations, offices, buildings and houses. The State Flag is a symbol of statehood and unity of the peoples of Turkmenistan.
For the Turkmen, the flag is a priceless treasure, personifying our independence and neutrality, our great past, happy present and bright future, our honour and dignity. The Green Banner, on whose cloth are placed ancient carpet ornaments, a crescent with five stars and olive branches as a symbol of the legal status of neutrality recognised by the UN General Assembly, glorifies our Motherland and valiant people throughout the world.
In the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state, our sacred banner flutters high as a reflection of our unity and peacefulness, our commitment to the age-old traditions of friendship and good neighbourliness. This symbol of our statehood calls upon the peoples of the planet to friendship and brotherhood, cooperation based on goodwill, and, expressing the principles of humanism, peace-making, and sovereignty, unites our people on the path to great goals.
The flag has always been considered a symbol of high spirit among all peoples and a reflection of the hopes and aspirations of the nation. Information about the flag can also be found in literary sources. The flag was considered a symbol of the indestructible spirit of the nation. The presence of national characteristics, such as the protection of human rights, the protection of the peace of the Motherland and the unity of the people, is a guarantee of the development of our state in accordance with the Constitution. The Basic Law of Turkmenistan and the high-flying State Flag are a national treasure, embodying the glorious past, the greatness of the current epoch, and a bright future.
In Ashgabat, the Constitution Monument and Flag Square were erected, and Flag Squares with tall flagpoles were built in the regional centres and the «Avaza» National tourist zone. High in the sky, their silk banners flutter, personifying the patriotism and unity of the people, our successes and achievements, testifying to the boundless respect for the heritage of the nation.
The Constitution and State Flag of Turkmenistan are symbols of national statehood that has been formed over hundreds of years. They are an inexhaustible source of pride, honour and dignity of the people, the embodiment of its great achievements and prosperity, authority on the world stage.
The 18th of May is a date that symbolises the unity and integrity of the nation, reflecting its vision of a democratic, legal, and secular state and a just civil society. And the constitution is a reliable support for our achievements, well-being and sovereignty. The individual is the highest value of society and the state, as stated by the constitutional principle that underlies our policies and mottos: «The State is for the Person!» and «The Motherland is the Motherland only with the people! The State is the state only with the people»! At the same time, this principle is the source of our strength in advancing our independent Fatherland along the path of progress and prosperity, indestructible unity and cohesion.
The Basic Law, the universally recognised norms of international law in the area of human rights and freedoms, the principles of democracy, peace, friendship, justice and humanism, centuries-old experience in building national statehood, unwavering love for the Motherland, unity and selfless work today serve as our support and guide in the matter of asserting independence and neutrality, developing the country and improving the well-being of the Turkmen people. The foreign policy strategy of Turkmenistan for maintaining global peace, security and stability is also defined by the norms of the Constitution of our state.
Every year, the events on the 18th of May are attended by heads of ministries and departments, military and law enforcement agencies. The celebrations were attended by heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organisations accredited in Turkmenistan, honorary elders, representatives of the public, and students.
On the occasion of Constitution and National Flag Day of Turkmenistan, festive concerts and cultural events are being held in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, and in all regions.
