The flag and the coat of arms of Brest: history, description

In the south-western part of Belarus, at the very border with Poland, is the ancient city of Brest. The history of this city is partially reflected on its state symbols. What does the modern flag and the coat of arms of Brest look like? You will learn about this from our article.

Heroic Brest (Belarus): acquaintance with the city

At the very edge of Belarus, where the Mukhavets River flows into the border West Bug, one of the oldest cities of the country is located. It originated in the tenth century, and was first mentioned in The Tale of Bygone Years by Nestor the Chronicler. Throughout its history, the city has repeatedly collapsed, residing in various states and empires.

According to the research of scientists, there are two main versions of the origin of the city name: either from the word "birch bark" (the upper layer of the birch bark, widely used in Russia as a material for writing), or from the Old Balti word brasta ("ford"). Throughout its history, Brest changed its name several times. However, the foundation, the backbone of his name has always been preserved, only the forms have changed: Berestye, Brest-Litovsky, Brest-nad Bug.

Today Brest enjoys considerable popularity among tourists. Travelers from Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Germany and other EU countries often come here. The city is famous for its monuments, military museums, ancient architecture, well-groomed streets and magnificent forged sculptures.

Coat of arms and the flag of the city

Brest is famous for its main attraction - the Brest Fortress. It was built in the first half of the XIX century, but was particularly famous in 1941. It was the fortress and its defenders that were the first in the USSR to try to repel the brown plague of the twentieth century - the German fascist army. The defense of the Brest Fortress, which lasted 29 days, entered the history of the Great Patriotic War as an example of heroism and selflessness.

In general, Brest in his history has defended more than once. And this feature is successfully reflected in the symbols of the city. Both the flag and the coat of arms of Brest represent a battle bow with a strained bowstring - the most popular fighting weapon of the Middle Ages.

The city flag is a standard rectangular panel, consisting of three vertical stripes: two blue on the edges and one white in the middle. In the center there is a baroque coat of arms with the image of a silver curved bow and one stretched arrow. It is interesting to note that on the unofficial coat of arms of the city (designed by the designers of the company "BIAR") there is also the famous Brest Fortress.

The city coat of arms does not differ in appearance from the one that adorns the central part of the flag of Brest. It was approved in 1994 and includes a list of historical and heraldic monuments of Belarus.

A bit of the history of the city's coat of arms

Already in the middle of the XVI century Brest was an important trade and artisan center of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. By that time, the city had at least two stamp seals. On one of them a tall stone tower was depicted, and on the other a bow and arrow already familiar to us.

If you believe the chronicles, Brest has been tempered by numerous attacks of enemies, since the XI century. The city tried to capture many: Teutons, Lithuanians, Poles and Russians. Therefore, both the bow and the tower in the list of its historical symbols are not at all accidental.

Very interesting was the coat of arms of Brest, established in 1845. In its upper field was depicted bison, and in the lower - a serf-yellow banner with a double-headed eagle on it.

Conclusion

The coat of arms of Brest is simple and laconic, it fully conveys the historical spirit and image of this city. On the blue shield there is a silver bow with an arrow pointed upwards. This stamped image was preserved also on city seals of the 16th century.