Adopted in 1992; The flag of Kazakhstan a gold sun with 32 rays above a soaring golden steppe eagle, both centered on a sky blue background. The hoist side displays a national ornamental pattern "koshkar-muiz" (the horns of the ram) in gold. The blue color is of religious significance to the Turkic peoples of the country, and so symbolizes cultural and ethnic unity. It also represents the endless sky as well as water. The sun, a source of life and energy, exemplifies wealth and plenitude. The sun's rays are shaped like grain, which is the basis of abundance and prosperity. The eagle has appeared on the flags of Kazakh tribes for centuries and represents freedom, power, and the flight to the future.