Will the Real Shqiponja Please Stand Up?

There may be an imposter in our midst here in Albania – watching us as we pass, knowing that many cannot detect its existence. Flying under the radar, it has spread throughout the country and in places unknown. Why is it there? What is its purpose? Where did it come from?

I’m speaking, of course, of the eagle on the so-called “new flag of Albania.” Well, not officially. This new eagle has undergone some cosmetic changes, including a more pronounced jaw and talon enhancements. It still remains the silhouette of an open-winged bi-cephalated eagle on a red field. 

One question I ask folks is “have you noticed?” I certainly didn’t until it was brought to my attention by my counterpart. It begs the question – has the official flag changed, or has this stylized version simply appeared? I decided to do a little research and here’s what I found.

Several (Albanian) folks deny any such variation of the flag even existing. Others (in my community) resent the new flag, as they don’t recognize it as the official symbol of their nation. Some see it merely as a stylistic creation from foreign companies producing Albanian flags and related chotchkies. So what is this new flag, and what does it look like? Let’s compare them, shall we?

Official Flag of Albania (“Republic of Albania”)

“New” Flag of Albania

It’s easy enough to tell the difference, but it is unclear why any changes were made. Certainly we have seen the change of flags here in Albania over the years by different regimes. From the independence of Albania, through its existence as a Principality, Kingdom, and later Socialist Republic. (Shown below)

Flag of the Independent Albania (1912–1914).

Flag of the Principality of Albania (1914–1920).

Flag of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania (1946–1992)

Ok, so there is a variation out there. So what? Well, the eagle is a symbol of pride and nationalism for Albanians. It represents the sovereignty of Albania in the Balkans. The eagle was originally adopted from the Byzantine banner, and has subsequently been used by numerous noble families in their respective coats-of-arms throughout Albanian history since the Middle Ages. 

This “new” flag has been the cause of controversy particularly during the 100^th anniversary of Albania’s independence, when Albania was presented with this new eagle. Now thoroughly interspersed throughout Albania, including placement in front of official government buildings, one can find this flag still flying in their local community. One might wonder how there can be two official flags? Would that “fly” in America? It is not just a matter of artistic license, but of national pride – From what I have observed, Albanians are very proud of their heritage and their ancestry. To change a flag is a big deal, but has anything officially changed, or has a new Shqiponja simply come to town?

http://www.top-channel.tv/english/artikull.php?id=7645