Last modified: 2004-07-31 by dov gutterman
Keywords: zagreb | croatia |
Links: FOTW homepage |
search |
disclaimer and copyright |
write us |
mirrors
See also:
by Zeljko Heimer
The flag of Zagreb from XVIII century that is preserved in the
Zagreb City Museum is red vertical banner with golden embroidered
stylisation of the civic coat of arms.
In the exhibition catalogue "Flags", 1996, p. 26,
Jelena Borosak-Marjanovic writes: "The first mention of the
flag of the city of Zagreb is connected with the descriptions of
the civic government from 15th century (1422) by I. K. Tkalcic in
the Historical monuments of the Free and Royal City of Zagreb, on
page L: The civic flag vexillum communis - it is the flag
of the municipality under which, in ceremonies is gathered civic
council. It was hoisted as a sign in time of armed conflicts on a
belfry of the church of St. Mark. It was coloured red, but
regarding the design we can only guess."
Zeljko Heimer
From: Croatian History Museum site by
courtesy of Jelena Borosak Marijanovic.
Bigger image at: http://jagor.srce.hr/hpm/m012700v.jpg
:
"Flag of the Zagreb Chapter 1753, made to welcome Maria
Theresa on her visit to Zagreb
Multicoloured silk, appliques, wood, gilt bronze
244 x 244 cm, staff length 344 cm, finial 27 x 10 cm
A rectangular flag made of three parts of blue silk, edged
with interchanging white and red flame-like shapes. In the centre
of the flag field on both sides there is an iconographic
depiction of the Immaculate Virgin."
J. Borosak-Marijanovic, Zastave kroz stoljeca, Zagreb,
1996, catalogue number 10, page 98.
Just a few notes. Until the beggining of 17th century (or so),
Zagreb was actually formed by two seperate towns on two hills -
"civilian" city known as Gric< or Gradec, and
"church" city on nearby hill Kaptol (i.e. Chapter). The
mideval towns where officially separate, with different municipal
rights, until merging de facto some time in 16th century, and
latter officially too.
Anyway, this flag is the flag of the "church" city of
Kaptol formed around archbishops palace, but it is unclear to me
if it is supposed to represent the city or church government (or
something) of it.
However be it, another thought might be asked - is it coincidence
that the colours chose for the flag are red, white and blue? If
it is not, it would be one of the oldest Croatian tricolour
existing. But this is pure speculation, and Mrs. Borosak-Marijanovic
in her book doesn't give a clue for any such connection.
Zeljko Heim
