In the south-western part of Belarus, near the borderwith 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 river Mukhavetsfalls into the border West Bug, is one of the oldest cities in the country. It originated in the 10th century, and was first mentioned in The Tale of Bygone Years by Nestor the Chronicler. Throughout its history, the city has repeatedly collapsed, remained in the composition of various states and empires.
According to research of scientists, there are twothe main versions of the origin of the name of the city: either from the word "birch" (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 popularityamong 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 mainsights - 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 hadto defend more than once. And this feature is successfully reflected in the symbolism 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 standardThe rectangular panel, consisting of three vertical bands: two blue on the edges and one white in the middle. In the center there is a baroque coat of arms with a picture 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.
City coat of arms does not differ in appearancefrom 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 tradeand the handicraft 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 with an arrow already familiar to us.
If you believe the annals, Brest is temperednumerous attacks by the enemy, 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
Герб Бреста прост и лаконичен, он полностью conveys the historical spirit and image of this city. On a 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.
