For cities and countries of the former USSR, having their own heraldic symbol meant a way to emphasize independence, loyalty to traditions and hope for a brighter future. The coat of arms of Karaganda, one of the largest Kazakhstani cities, speaks of this. The desire of cities that do not have a capital status to have their own heraldic symbols speaks of their independence. This applies to the oldest cities in Europe and Asia, as well as their young "colleagues".
The meaning of colors in the coat of arms
Only a color photo can demonstrate the richness of the palette of the main heraldic symbol of Karaganda. There are not so many symbols depicted on the city's coat of arms, but bright ones are used. pure tones, so it is remembered instantly and for a long time.
The main colors of the coat of arms are blue, silver, gold. There is also scarlet for writing the name of the city, black for drawing Kazakh waste heaps. Blue conveys the endless expanses of Central Kazakhstan, silver is the embodiment of purity. Gold (yellow) color in the coat of arms of Karaganda symbolizes the sun, warmth, goodness.
Ancient symbols and modern interpretation
The main elements of the coat of arms are enclosed in a circle, a perfect geometric shape, so the composition of the heraldic sign looks holistic, complete. In the outer outline of the circle is the name of the city, in red on a gold background.
Another element is the national ornament, the so-called koshkar muiz. It is executed in gold on a blue background. Ethnographers say that Kazakh traditional ornaments have several types of symmetry. This can also be traced by the pattern located on the outer contour of the coat of arms.
Description of the internal elements of the coat of arms
The central place on the coat of arms of Karaganda is occupied by three important elements that symbolize the inextricably linked past, present and future of the city:
- stylized image of a shanyrak;
- a silver golden eagle with spread wings;
- black tops of Kazakh waste heaps.
In everyday life, shanyrak is an element that crowns the dome of a yurt; it resembles a lattice cross inscribed in a circle. It has a sacred meaning as a relic of a clan, family, in this case, a city.
Waste heaps are a symbol of Kazakh coal mines, which is also called a sun stone. The discovery of deposits gave impetus to the emergence and development of the city, symbolizes the present of Karaganda.
The silver golden eagle also represents the sun, and its feathers represent the sun's rays. The bird symbolizes dynamics, movement, development, striving for the future.
