Laz Flag and National Symbols
The Laz people have developed several symbols of identity and cultural pride over the centuries. While there is no single universally adopted “official” Laz flag, several designs have gained recognition within the Laz community.
The Laz Flag
The most commonly recognized Laz flag features a blue field representing the Black Sea — the defining geographic feature of the Laz homeland — combined with elements symbolizing the mountains, the people, and their heritage. Several variations exist:
Blue and Green Design
One popular version features blue (for the Black Sea) and green (for the lush mountains of Lazistan), often with a white crescent or other symbol. This design reflects the natural environment that has shaped Laz identity: the sea and the mountains.
Historical Lazica Symbols
Some Laz intellectuals and cultural organizations have adopted symbols inspired by the ancient Kingdom of Lazica (Egrisi), including motifs found in archaeological sites at Nokalakevi (Archaeopolis) and other Lazican fortresses in western Georgia. These symbols connect the modern Laz people to their ancient political heritage.
Cultural Symbols
The Tulum (Bagpipe)
The tulum (gudu in Lazuri) is perhaps the most iconic symbol of Laz culture. This goatskin bagpipe has been the traditional instrument of the Laz highlands for centuries and is inseparable from the horon dance and Laz musical identity. The tulum is widely used as a cultural emblem by Laz organizations and media.
The Kemençe (Fiddle)
The kemençe (kemença in Lazuri), a three-stringed bowed fiddle, is another defining symbol of Laz and Black Sea culture. The instrument’s distinctive nasal tone is immediately associated with the eastern Black Sea region.
Tea Leaf
The tea plant has become a modern symbol of the Laz homeland, particularly the Rize region, which is the center of Turkey’s tea production. Tea plantations are an iconic part of the Lazistan landscape, and tea culture is deeply embedded in Laz daily life.
The Golden Fleece
The myth of the Golden Fleece — the legendary treasure sought by Jason and the Argonauts in the land of Colchis — has been embraced by some Laz as a symbol connecting them to the ancient Colchian civilization. Colchis, the mythological land of the Golden Fleece, roughly corresponds to the territory that later became the Kingdom of Lazica.
Colors of Lazistan
The colors most associated with Laz identity are:
- Blue — The Black Sea, maritime heritage
- Green — The lush mountains, forests, and tea plantations
- White — The snow-capped peaks of the Kaçkar Mountains
- Gold/Yellow — Connection to the Golden Fleece legend and ancient Colchis
Modern Usage
Laz symbols are increasingly visible in modern contexts: cultural association logos, social media profiles, music album covers, and community events. The growing Laz cultural revival has led to greater pride in displaying these symbols, though their use remains primarily cultural rather than political. For many young Laz people, these symbols represent a connection to a heritage that they are determined to preserve and celebrate.