The State Emblem of the Republic of Kazakhstan has the shape of a circle and is an image of a shanyrak on a blue background, from which uyks radiate in all directions in the form of sun rays. To the right and left of the shanyrak are images of mythical winged horses. In the upper part, there is a three-dimensional five-pointed star, and in the lower part, there is the inscription “Kazakhstan”. The image of the star, shanyrak, uyks, mythical horses, as well as the inscription “Kazakhstan” are in gold.
The authors of the State Emblem of the Republic of Kazakhstan are well-known architects Zhandarbek Malibekov and Shot-Aman Ualikhanov.
The emblem is one of the main symbols of the state. The term “герб” (emblem) comes from the German word “erbe” (inheritance) and means a hereditary distinctive sign – a combination of figures and objects that are given a symbolic meaning.
History shows that even the nomads of the bronze age, who lived on the territory of modern Kazakhstan, identified themselves with a special symbol – totem, the graphic expression of which later received the name “tamga”. This term was first used in the Turkic Khaganate.
The state emblem of independent Kazakhstan was officially adopted in 1992. Its authors are well-known architects Zhandarbek Malibekov and Shot-Aman Ualikhanov.
The State Emblem of the Republic of Kazakhstan has the shape of a circle (wheel) – a symbol of life and eternity, which was particularly honored among the nomads of the great steppe.
The central heraldic element in the State Emblem is the image of shanyrak (the upper arched part of the yurt) on a blue background, from which uyks (supports) radiate in all directions in the form of sun rays. To the right and left of the shanyrak are images of mythical winged horses. In the upper part, there is a three-dimensional five-pointed star, and in the lower part, there is the inscription “Kazakhstan”. The image of the star, shanyrak, uyks, mythical horses, as well as the inscription “Kazakhstan” are in gold.
Shanyrak is the main system-forming part of the yurt that resembles a sky dome and is one of the key elements of life structure in the traditional culture of Eurasian nomads. In the State Emblem of the republic, the image of shanyrak is a symbol of a common home and a single homeland for all the peoples living in the country. The stable development of Kazakhstan depends on the well-being of every citizen, just as the strength and stability of shanyrak depends on the reliability of all its uyks (supports).
Winged mythical horses – tulpars in the state emblem are the key heraldic element. The image of a horse from time immemorial represents such concepts as courage, loyalty and strength. The wings symbolize the centuries-old dream of the multinational people of Kazakhstan to build a strong and prosperous state. They testify to pure thoughts and aspiration to successive and constructive development. The golden wings of the horses also resemble golden wheat heads and represent the hard work of the people of Kazakhstan and the material well-being of the country.
In centuries past, the horns were often used during ceremonial rites of nomads as well as a finial to their fighting banners. Images of heavenly grace, earthly fertility and military luck in the form of horns of various animals have always occupied significant places in the symbolic compositions of various peoples. Thus, a winged horse with a horn is an important typological image that has deep semantic and historical roots.
Another detail in the State Emblem of the republic is a five-pointed star. This symbol has been used by mankind since ancient times and represents the constant desire of people to the light of truth, to everything sublime and eternal. The image of the star in the state emblem reflects the desire of Kazakhstanis to create a country open to cooperation and partnership with all peoples of the world. The hearts and embraces of Kazakhstan residents are open to representatives of all five continents.
The main color used in the state emblem is the color of gold, which serves as a symbol of wealth, justice and generosity. Another color used is the color of the flag – sky blue, which is in harmony with the color of gold and symbolizes the clear sky, peace and well-being.
