Kızılelma (Golden Apple) is a historical and cultural concept symbolizing the ideal, aspiration, and dream of the Turkish nation. Over time, it has come to represent a goal that is difficult to reach but increasingly captivating. Kızılelma is a symbol, a purpose, and an ideal. Deeply embedded in the historical and cultural heritage of the Turkish people, this concept also reflects the nation's desire for social unity and the establishment of a powerful state.
Historical Background
Kızılelma has taken shape through two main periods in the historical journey of the Turkish nation: the pre-Islamic and post-Islamic eras.
Pre-Islamic Period: In this era, Kızılelma was defined for the Turks as “conquering from where the sun rises to where it sets.” During this time, Turks pursued expansion and geographical conquest.
Post-Islamic Period: With the adoption of Islam, Kızılelma came to mean not only the conquest of lands but also striving for ilâyı kelimetullah (exalting the name of God) and establishing global order. In this period, the meaning of Kızılelma gained deeper significance through the quest for Islamic unity and justice.
Kızılelma and Symbolism
Throughout Turkish culture, Kızılelma has been depicted with various symbolic representations over time. Among these symbols, it has at times appeared as a golden sphere representing victory and dominion, and at other times symbolized lands yet to be conquered.
Golden Sphere: The most well-known symbol is a golden-colored sphere representing world domination. This sphere has served both as a sign of victory and a symbol of sovereignty.
Throne and Land: Another symbol reflects the central administration that Turks aimed to reach and the ideal of public prosperity. It has been depicted as either a throne or a land (belde) representing desired governance and welfare.
World Map and Crescent Star (Created with Artificial Intelligence)
The Place of Kızılelma in Historical Process
The concept of Kızılelma has acquired various meanings throughout Turkish history, yet its essence has always remained the desire for victory and domination.
The Conquest of Istanbul: Following the conquest of Istanbul, Kızılelma was described as the golden sphere on the altar of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Suleiman the Magnificent: When asked where Kızılelma was, Suleiman the Magnificent replied, “First Vienna, then Rome.” This indicates that the location of Kızılelma has changed over time and spread across different geographical areas.
Reflection of the Kızılelma Spirit
Kızılelma is a metaphorical reflection of the state ideal that the Turkish nation has embraced throughout history. It has not only been a political goal but also a cultural, ideological, and spiritual aspiration. Shaped by values such as “the survival of the state,” “the establishment of justice,” and “national unity,” this concept has stood out both as an ideal and a strategy from Central Asia to the Ottoman Empire.
During the Ottoman period, Kızılelma became the main ideal of westward conquests. After the conquest of Istanbul, it expanded to include new targets such as Rome and Vienna. However, Kızılelma was not merely a military objective; it symbolized a vision of establishing order, delivering justice, and improving societal welfare.
Today, the spirit of Kızılelma is being revived in various fields, from the defense industry to foreign policy, from cultural and artistic activities to youth initiatives. In this sense, Kızılelma is a powerful symbol that unites the legacy of the past with the goals of the present. The Turkish nation has long believed that this concept embodies its will for independence, spirit of solidarity, and belief in a strong future.
"Kızılelmam" by Mustafa Yıldızdoğan (MYD MÜZİK FİLM YAPIM)
Bayraktar Kızılelma: A Leap in Turkish Defense Industry
Bayraktar Kızılelma is a project developed by Baykar as part of its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and ammunition systems, aiming to strengthen Türkiye’s technological and military capabilities. It is interpreted as a modern reflection of the Turkish nation’s historical ideals of world domination and the establishment of a powerful state.
Through Bayraktar Kızılelma, the Turkish defense industry aims to become a globally independent power based on domestic and national production. It represents not only a significant advancement in aerial technology but also a concrete example of the Turkish nation's goals for independence and strength in defense. It is seen as a modern-day embodiment of past victories and the spirit of conquest.
Bayraktar Kızılelma (Anadolu Ajansı)
The Concept of Kızılelma in the Modern Age
Selçuk Bayraktar, the director of Baykar Technology and the pioneer of the Bayraktar Kızılelma project, has interpreted the concept of Kızılelma. Bayraktar connects Kızılelma with the Turkish nation’s desire for independence and strengthening in the national defense industry and emphasizes the goal of Türkiye becoming a prominent power on the global stage. Bayraktar’s statements can be summarized as follows:
"Kızılelma is not just a goal, but an ideal that the Turkish nation is determined to pursue, ultimately reinforcing its own independence and strength. Today, Kızılelma symbolizes, on one hand, the steps the Turkish nation is taking toward technological independence, and on the other hand, the goal of strengthening national defense. Bayraktar Kızılelma, as part of this goal, aims to shape the defense technologies of the future."
Selçuk Bayraktar in Front of Kızılelma (Baykar Official Website)
Kızılelma Documentary (Baykar Technologies)
Kızılelma in Turkish Culture
Kızılelma is not only a historical ideal and cultural concept, but it continues to live on in Turkish culture while maintaining its symbolic value. In this context, it is continually reinterpreted across various forms, such as literature, music, documentaries, and award ceremonies, and remains embedded in the collective memory of the people. Furthermore, it is also remembered and interpreted as an ideal that unites the Turkic world.
The Turkic World Kızılelma Award Ceremony, organized by TASAM since 2014, is a program that honors individuals and institutions making lasting contributions in areas such as science, culture‑arts, diplomacy, state affairs, business, technology, and sports, with the vision of "seeking excellence." The first ceremony was held on May 29, 2014, during the 3rd World Turkish Forum in Edirne, where awards were presented in 10 main categories. This program fosters cooperation and a shared vision among Turkic-speaking communities, serving as a sustainable recognition and award initiative.
Turkish World Kızılelma Award Ceremony (BHS Group)
