Flag and coat of arms of Samara Region

Norms of the device of the Russian Federation assume the presence of each of the subjects of the emblem, flag and anthem, ie, state symbols. The Samara region is not an exception to this rule.

The question of drafts of the flag and the emblem was considered by the deputy corps of the Provincial Duma. The date of the adoption of the coat of arms of the region is October 13, 1998. An example for him was the coat of arms of the Samara region, which was approved on July 5, 1878.

What was the reason for creating the emblem of the Samara province?

As a rule, in any region of the Russian state first appeared the coat of arms of the city, and only later - the coat of arms of the province. The same regularity took place in relation to Samara. The decision to form the Samara gubernia was made only in 1850, at a time when the empire was ruled by Nicholas I. Prior to this event, its administrative center had already existed for almost three hundred years.

During the development of provincial symbols, the image of the city's coat of arms was used as a model. The beginning of the creative process contributed to the revision of the arms of Russia in the late 50's of the century before last. It was carried out by Kyon B. V., who at that time headed a special stamp office in the Senate. According to Boris Vasilyevich, the place of the Samara goat in the center was to be occupied by a wild goat.

Although the coat of arms of the Samara region has not changed, but the wishes of the author listened to when considering the issue of the provincial coat of arms. On the canvas appeared a wild goat of silvery suits, his tongue and eyes were dark red, his head was adorned with gold horns, his hooves painted black.

Above the azure shield was decorated with a huge golden crown of the Russian emperor. From the symbol of royal power in the opposite directions came the St. Andrew's ribbon, which further curved along the branches of oak with golden leaves. In turn, the branches crowned the shield from all sides.

What is associated with each of the elements of the arms of the Samara province of the 19th century?

Confident of his power, the goat froze in a majestic pose. Thanks to this appearance, the animal deserves no less respect than a lion or an eagle, images of which have long prevailed in heraldic symbols.

This species of cloven-hoofed animals in ancient times was associated with the firm character and stamina, which tribal chiefs and pack leaders usually possessed. Long ago the ancestors of the now living Russians gave the long-oak a mature strength, the symbol of which was the leaves and acorns of this tree.

Among the innovations of Emperor Peter I is the St. Andrew's ribbon, which together with the cross (Order of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called) was considered an honorable award. In all the subsequent decades until October 1917, the tape was applied to all the arms of the districts of the Samara region.

Heraldic science identifies the golden color with material well-being, stability and the possession of power. Painted in a silver color element is inherent in moral purity. The color of azure is attributed to elegance and dignity; Dark red (scarlet) - the ability to brave or heroic deed, disinterestedness and indulgence.

The Soviet government abolished the old coat of arms of the Samara region. As a result of the restructuring initiated by the last president of the USSR, a reassessment of values took place, including the idea of creating a municipal and territorial symbolism.

Coats of arms of cities of the Samara region

All the cities of the Samara region have their own state symbols. Almost all depict animals and various plants. They are also dominated by green, blue and yellow colors.

Each city points to its fertile fields and forests rich in living creatures. Local residents respect their state signs and always use them during the holidays. On municipal buildings, too, the city emblems are adorned next to the symbols of the Samara region.

Since January 1, 2006 in the province there are 10 city districts, 12 urban settlements and 27 municipal districts. The cities Tolyatti (a large industrial center of Russia), Syzran (there are about 30 significant enterprises, including oil refining complexes), Zhigulevsk, Oktyabrsk and Chapaevsk received special prominence.

Events that preceded the creation of the flag of the Samara region

The coat of arms and the flag of the Samara region have an interesting background. In the mid-seventies of the 19th century, the Bulgarians, Serbs and Montenegrins of the Balkan region rose to fight against the Turkish enslavers. Russian volunteers went massively to help their Slav brothers. In support of the Russian people fighting for independence co-religionists fighters of one of the detachments formed in the Samara province, took a banner with them. It was a cloth with a red, white and blue stripes. On one side is a black cross, in the center of which are images of Cyril and Methodius, on the other - the icon of the Iberian Mother of God. The nuns embroidered the banner with their own hands.

Despite the death of the standard bearers during the battle, which occurred in 1877 near the town of Stara Zagora, the banner was defended. The flag as well as the coat of arms of the Samara region, was modified.

Adoption of the modern flag

In the Museum of History among the exhibits you can find a copy of the famous banner that became a relic of brotherly Bulgaria. It was transferred in September 1981.

The flag cloth, which was approved at a meeting of the city Duma in December 1998, is very similar to the Samara banner. The same three bands: on top - red, from below - blue, in the middle - white. Only instead of a black cross in the center is the regional coat of arms.

The cities of the Samara region also participated in this voting. All the authors participating in the development of the draft flag agreed in opinion and decided on this option.