The flag has a complex origin since it is an ancient design , and uses the same symbols of the late flag of the Ottoman Empire which was adopted in 1844 with the Tanzimat reforms ; though the shape , placement and shade of the color varies . The flag has a complex origin since it is an ancient design , and uses the same symbols of the late flag of the Ottoman Empire which were adopted in 1844 with the Tanzimat reforms ; though the shape , placement and shade of the color vary .