The Discussion of the 16 Great Turkish Empires in the Context of the Presidential Flag of Turkey

The Presidential Flag of Turkey, which took its current shape and proportions with the legal amendment in 1925, is the top icon representing the presidency. This flag has been displayed wherever the president is, including the presidential office, the presidential car since 1922. The Presidential Seal of Turkey is composed of a sun surrounded by 16 stars and the Presidential Flag of Turkey is the Turkish flag that has the Presidential Seal of Turkey in the left upper corner of the flag. That the seal has 16 stars symbolizing the 16 Great Turkish Empires in history have been discussed by historians since 1960s. According to a rumor, the determination of the 16 Great Turkish Empires is handled by a committee in Ataturk s time. In this article, we have discussed (i) the shape and importance of the Presidential Flag, (ii) what meanings the sun and stars in the seal may carry, (iii) the motives behind these meanings, and (iv) the resulting discussions about the 16 Great Turkish Empires.