Sevastopol is a legendary city. Its history is in many ways complex and truly unique. The most unexpected stories are connected with the streets of Sevastopol. And part of them was reflected in one of the symbols of the city of the Russian fleet. This is the flag of Sevastopol.
Glorious city
The foundation of Sevastopol corresponds to the period of the end of the 18th century, more precisely, 1783. The military base of the Russian fleet has always been located here. Moreover, this is the main base of the Black Sea Fleet. In addition, Sevastopol is one of the largest industrial, scientific and cultural centers of the Crimean peninsula. Tourists constantly arrive in the heroic city to plunge into past historical times and breathe in the smell of Russian weapons glory. The flag of Sevastopol is proudly developing in administrative buildings and squares.
The return of Sevastopol to Russia in March 2014 was welcomed by the residents of the city with great enthusiasm. This happened after the Crimean Federal District of Russia was founded. The importance of Sevastopol as a federal city within the Crimean district is difficult to overestimate. This is a place of accumulation of memorials of history and architecture, of legendary buildings, such as the St. George staircase in the monastery.
Inkerman Bay became the basis for a huge gating lighthouse, which is considered to be the highest of the Russian similar structures. Underground shipyards belonging to the Soviet era are also one of the attractions that attract a lot of tourists to Sevastopol.
The city is the pride of the people
If you dig, as they say, back centuries, it is worth to mention Sevastopol oysters. As you know, these mollusks were delivered to the table to the king himself. Thus, the historical events that are reflected on the pages of documentary sources could not but be reflected in the symbols of such a city as Sevastopol. The flag and coat of arms changed slightly.
Residents of Sevastopol, proud of their hero city, raise state symbols during any holiday events. As a rule, these events under the fluttering canvases of the flags of the home port end with unchanged fireworks. Sevastopol proudly bear the title of heroes, attaching great importance to the continuity of generations and passing on legends and historical memos from grandfather to father, from father to son. Everyone honors the flag of the homeland. Sevastopol is an integral part of our difficult history.
The ups and downs of the silver griffin and the Golden Star
The flag with the image of a silver griffin on a red panel was approved back in 1893. Symbols of the emperor’s power and the period of the Soviet past clashed in the struggle for primacy. In April 2000, the appearance and design of state symbols were approved, reflecting the origins of the hero city of the Russian fleet. For these reasons, the flag of Sevastopol acquired the appearance of a red panel (according to official sources, the color of burgundy) with the emblem of Sevastopol located in the center .
All colors and images correspond to the original emblem of the city. It is a shield, the form of which is adopted in French-style heraldry. In one (upper) part of the coat of arms is the image of the Golden Star medal. This award was awarded to Sevastopol in 1965 as a symbol of the heroic struggle of the people of the city in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.
Flag colors
The image of the medal against a white (silver in the original) color is also symbolic. White color means the white walls of the city, the white stone of Sevastopol. The second field on the shield is painted in the color of a sea wave, for obvious reasons symbolizing the sea. Against the background of the sea, a monument to the sunken ships can be seen. Two fields of the coat of arms are connected by a golden branch of laurel leaves. Its significance is the connection of heroic generations who shared difficult heroic times with their hometown.
Now almost everyone knows what the flag of Sevastopol looks like. Photos of state symbols can be seen at any holiday event in the city.
Flag today
In the winter of 2015, the Legislative Assembly of Sevastopol considered the question of changing the symbols of the city, coat of arms and flag. It was proposed to return to the griffin, releasing the Soviet remnants. The topic was discussed hotly. In the new version of the griffin, a double-headed eagle is crowned , crowned immediately by three royal crowns, and the Admiralty anchors, and the St. George ribbon.
Both versions of the flag, old and current, found their supporters. The question did not reach consideration. The head of the law on the change of symbolism was forced to withdraw his request. Until now, the flag of Sevastopol depicts a white-blue coat of arms with a Gold-colored Star and a memorial sign of Sevastopol - a monument to ships. This is a real symbol that managed to wage war, disagreement and a new reunion. Respect and pride are experienced by locals for their city, which managed to survive so much.