Albania .al

Meaning of the Flag

The national flag of Albania depicts a silhouetted black double-headed eagle in the center of a red background. The red stands for bravery, strength, valour and bloodshed, while the eagle – traditionally the symbol of Albanians – represents the sovereign state of Albania. The red stands for bravery, strength, valour and bloodshed, while the eagle – traditionally the symbol of Albanians – represents the sovereign state of Albania. Vinçenc Prennushi (O.F.M.) wrote in "Gjeth e Lule" his immortal romance "Grueja Shqyptare" which is thought to have been inspired by Marigo Posio.

Meaning of Flag Colors

The red stands for bravery, strength, valour and bloodshed, while the eagle – traditionally the symbol of Albanians – represents the sovereign state of Albania.

Flag History

1. 1444–1466
   

   Banner of Skanderbeg — black double-headed eagle on a red field, the earliest documented Albanian standard.
2. 1912–1914
   

   Flag of the Provisional Government of Albania at independence, eagle without star.
3. 1914–1920
   

   Principality of Albania flag adding a five-pointed star above the eagle.
4. 1920–1939
   

   Flag of the Albanian Republic and Kingdom of Albania, eagle restored without star.
5. 1946–1992
   

   People's Socialist Republic of Albania — eagle topped by a gold-edged red star.
6. 1992–present
   

   Current flag of the Republic of Albania — black double-headed eagle on red, star removed.

The double-headed eagle was first used by John Hunyadi during his campaign against the Ottomans. This symbol was also used by noble families and Albanian nationalists during the 18th century.

In 1912, the flag was officially adopted by the nation after its independence from the Ottoman Empire. King Zog added a crown to the flag's symbol during his reign in the 1920s through 1930s. After World War II, the flag was modified to include a five-pointed gold star to represent communism. This symbol was later removed after the collapse of the government. The modern design of the flag has been used since April 7, 1992.

Fun Facts

Albanians of Kosovo have unofficially flown the Albanian national flag since the 1960s. Today, a different flag is used to avoid symbols of ethnic groups.

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