July 23 is National Flag Day in the Republic of Abkhazia. The holiday was established by Law No. 1056-с-XIV of the Republic of Abkhazia dated June 3, 2005, and commemorates the historic decision of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Abkhazia, chaired by Vladislav Grigorievich Ardzinba, dated July 23, 1992.

The approval of the state symbols, created by artist Valery Gamgia, became one of the key events in the modern history of the Republic of Abkhazia. The decision enshrined the aspirations of the people of Abkhazia for national self-determination.

The heraldic code of the Abkhazian flag reflects the key stages in the formation and development of Abkhazian statehood:

The open palm and seven stars on a red background are borrowed from the flag of the Kingdom of Abkhazia. Red is a symbol of military valor, while the open palm is a sign of peace, kindness, and hospitality. The open white palm on a red background is a symbol of 12 centuries old Abkhazian statehood, which emerged during the Abkhazian Kingdom.

The seven five-pointed stars above the palm represent the seven main historical regions of Abkhazia: Sadz (Djigeti), Bzyp, Gumma, Abzhua, Samyrzakan, Dal-Tsabal, and Pskhu-Aibga. They covered the ethnic territory of the Abkhazians from the Khosta River (the border with the Ubykhs) to the Ingur River (the border with the Mingrelians), and from the Black Sea to the Caucasus Mountains.

The alternating green and white stripes harken back to the traditions of the Mountain Republic of 1918: green symbolizes life, white symbolizes the country's bright future.

Embodying the courage and unwavering will of the people of Abkhazia, the State Flag of the Republic of Abkhazia was hoisted on the state border along the Ingur River on September 30, 1993. Later, the State Flag was officially granted the legal status of the Victory Banner.

Today, the State Flag of the Republic of Abkhazia flies over diplomatic missions of the Republic of Abkhazia abroad, serving as a visible symbol of its state sovereignty, inalienable international identity, and firm determination to defend its national interests on the global arena.

Congratulations to the citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia on this holiday!