A small European state in the twentieth century twice became a tragic point on the world map, since it was after the events that took place here that world wars and the redivision of the world began. The coat of arms of Albania becomes a vivid symbol of the desire for freedom and independence. It was identical to the coat of arms of Byzantium, which at one time opposed the aggression of the Ottoman Empire.
Simplicity of drawing and depth of meaning
For its main official symbol, Albania has chosen the image of a stylized two-headed eagle. It appeared on local coats of arms and shields in the 15th century, immediately trying on the role of a symbol of independence. The color scheme of the emblem is restrained: a scarlet (red) shield with a gold border along the contour; black two-headed eagle; golden helmet of the great Skandenberg.
This coat of arms looks very strict, slightly menacing due to the chosen color for the bird of prey. Representatives of the ancient feudal family of Kastrioti had a similar coat of arms. True, the shield was of gold color, the top of the composition was completed by a white star with six ends.
Georgy Skandenberg is one of the most prominent representatives of this family, who went down in the history of Albania as a great commander and statesman. It was he who in 1443 became the leader of the struggle for the unification of the country, independence from neighbors. The strategist and tactician successfully resisted the Turkish invasion, he himself repeatedly made sorties behind enemy lines. His death from malaria entailed terrible consequences, there were no military leaders equal to him in Albania, and for more than four hundred years the country fell under the yoke of the Turks. But the red and black colors and the eagle have forever become symbols of freedom for the local population.
In addition, there was a popular belief that the Albanians are the descendants of eagles, great and proud birds. And even the name of the state from the Albanian language can be translated as "Country of Eagles".
The return of freedom
The anti-Turkish uprising that took place in 1912 restored the country's independence. Among the first and most important things was the approval of the main national symbols. In memory of the great Skandenberg, the eagle took its place on the coat of arms of Albania. In 1926, another symbol was added, also associated with the name of the great commander, - a golden helmet.
After World War II, the communists came to power in Albania, who tried to change the main symbol of the country in the spirit of their older Soviet brother. Another element appeared - a wheat wreath, which symbolized an important branch of the country's economy. The wreath was wrapped in a red ribbon, on which was the date of the country's liberation from the Nazis. In 1991, Albania returned to the original version of the coat of arms.
