rich and poor, live almost completely alike". He also added that the Turkmen "put the principles of brotherhood, equality, and freedom into practice more completely and consistently than any of our contemporary European republics." The five traditional carpet designs that form motifs in the coat of arms of Turkmenistan and on its flag belong to these tribes (and are named after them; for example, "Yomut carpet"). Turkmen way of life Modern Turkmen tribes were usually ruled by Serdars (Chief, military leader, nobleman) and guided by Aksakgal (elderly man), who, most of the time, were chosen by a consensus. Aksakgals guided their people by unwritten customary laws called tore or adat. Besides guidance and regulating affairs between individuals, families and groups, aksakgals, along with serdars, made important decisions on distribution of water, land or on declaring and waging war. Turkmen tribes recognized only their free will as a main authority and were never loyal to any of the foreign powers that conquered their lands. They always chose to rise and fight for their freedom, as evidenced in numerous battles and revolts against the neighboring Uzbek Khanates, Persian and Russian Empires. Such khans and serdars of various Turkmen tribes as Aba Serdar, Keymir Kor, Nurberdi Khan, Gowshut Khan, Dykma Serdar and others are the most prominent and are still respected by modern Turkmen people. See also Oghuz tribes Kayi Salur Bayandur Teke Yomud Ersari Ersari baba Shajara-i Tarākima Russian conquest of Central Asia Battle of Geok Tepe (1879) Khivan campaign of 1873. References Ethnic Turkmen people Turkic peoples of Asia Demographics of Turkmenistan Turkmen tribes