The Coats of Arms and Other Forms of State Emblem Proposed for the Republic of Macedonia, and the Process of Their Adoption, 1992–2014

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Article The Coats of Arms and Other Forms of State Emblem Proposed for the Republic of Macedonia, and the Process of Their Adoption, 1992–2014

Jovan Jonovski

Macedonian Heraldic Society, Skopje 1000, Macedonia; [email protected]

Received: 8 October 2018; Accepted: 21 November 2018; Published: 28 November 2018

Abstract: Selecting national emblems is crucial for the development of a national identity. This paper presents all official proposals for the coat of arms of the Republic of Macedonia, starting in 1992, with the proposals of the public competition for the selection of the coat of arms, flag, and anthem of the Republic of Macedonia, and finishing with the last Government proposal in 2014. All of the proposals are categorized according to their main symbol, a sun or a lion. The long and complex process of creating national symbols shows that there is a deep division regarding which one to use.

Keywords: coat of arms; identity; Macedonian state emblem

1. Introduction The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss all the official proposals for the coat of arms of the Republic of Macedonia, starting with the proposals of the public competition for the selection of the coat of arms, flag, and anthem of the Republic in 1992, and going up to the latest Government proposal in 2014. The documents of the process of the Assembly (Parliament) of the Republic of Macedonia on creating national emblems, that occurred in 1992, are found in the State Archive of the Republic of Macedonia, Fundus 1304: “Sobranie 1990–1994”, Materials for 41 session, held on 11 August 1992, points 2, 3, and 4, box 46. It contains the proposals of the Law on the Coat of Arms, Flag and Anthem of the Republic Macedonia, and the amendments starting from 1 June until 22 October 1992. Unfortunately, the original images of the proposals have not been preserved. Therefore, this document presents reconstructions based on published photographs and the descriptions given in those proposals. The daily newspaper “Nova Makedonija” completely covered the entire process and published photos of the proposals. Interviews with Todor Petrov, an independent MP very active in this process, provide additional information on his proposals, as well as those of others. Also, there is input from some of the participants in the process. The reconstructions of the coat and flag proposals are by Jovan Jonovski. Macedonia is situated in the Balkan peninsula in south east Europe. The oldest heraldic symbol associated to a territorial entity in the northern part of Macedonia is the banner over the city of Skopje. It is found on a naval map, dated 1339, by Italian cartographer Angelino de Dulcherto. On this map showing main ports, Skopje is depicted with a banner over a fort and the inscription “Scopi” next to it. The banner is Or a double-headed eagle Gules.1 Reflections on European heraldic practices could be seen in the Balkans below the Danube River, where just a few rulers used arms. This as (Aцовић 2008) notes, was “heraldry of emblems, not heraldry on rules”. Just half a century later, Skopje came under

1 This symbol is often credited as the Arms of Serbia, with no critical observation, since the arms of Serbia is Gules a double-headed eagle Argent, being quite different from the heraldic coat of arms.

Genealogy 2018, 2, 52; doi:10.3390/genealogy2040052 www.mdpi.com/journal/genealogy Genealogy 2018, 2, 52 2 of 15 the administration of the Ottoman Empire. This started a period in which there was no real possibility for bearing arms due to the Islamic view of the use of images. However, at the end of the 16th century, several wealthy families from the Republic of Dubrovnik (Ragusa) had an armorial created containing around 160 family arms, and 9 so-called “land” coat of arms.2 This armorial, with its copies and versions, are known as Illyrian Armorials, and, the coat of arms they contained, as Illyrian arms or Illyrian heraldry. Later, at the beginning of the 18 century another heraldic work, known as Stematographia, appeared, containing the Illyrian land arms and many other territorial arms.3 These heraldic works will later influence the ideas for symbolic design of the new developing nations in the Balkans. In 1919, following the Balkan wars (1912–1913) and WWI, the territory of the modern-day Republic of Macedonia was incorporated into the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later named Yugoslavia). The first ideas about the existence of a historical Macedonian coat of arms appeared in 1968. This became public with the publishing of the book “The Coats of Arms of Macedonia,” written by Aleksandar Matkovski in 1970. The book presents two dozen Illyrian Armorials, where the land arms of Macedonia were present. The author concluded that the “real” coat of arms of Macedonia is Gules, a lion queued forchee, crowned Or. This idea reappeared in 1990, with the second edition of Matkovski’s book, gaining great popularity. The choice of an emblem sends a message, both through its form and its content. The design of a symbol to represent a national identity is a product of specific, socio-political events that surround its adoption, as a process of wider social forces that go beyond national borders (Cerulo 1995, p. 2). The choice of national symbols is a process in which a symbol or a symbolic composition is selected from a multitude of possible symbols. Through their application, promotion, the construction of the story of their occurrence, continuity, and significance, they are further built as national symbols, being crucial for building the identity of a political nation. The choice of the symbols for the coat of arms and the flag is not unambiguous, in the sense that there is not only one symbol, or one symbolic composition, alone, which perfectly represents the armiger. It requires a process for selecting not only a symbol but, also, a specific design. Symbols may be chosen or designed in a closed process where work is given to one designer, a small team of experts (the traditional approach), or through a public competition. When selecting a symbol, the primary message that needs to be communicated is considered the most important. Laswell et al.(1952, p. 15) distinguishes three categories of national symbols, i.e., emblems: (a) symbols of identification—with traditional or historical heritage; (b) symbols of preference—freedom, independence, fraternity, justice, etc.; and (c) symbols of aspirations or expectations—progress, the inevitability of a world revolution, the proletariat (an icon of an economic class), and so on. In Europe, most state coats of arms fall into the first category, with all national emblems until 1948, being selected in the traditional way. Until 1990, the same was for the coats of arms of the Balkan states, with the exception of the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia having the only emblem from the second category—symbols of preferences—those of the brotherhood and unity of its peoples.

2 For a long time, the first Illyrian Armorial was attributed to don Pedro Ohmucevic(died in 1599). The armorial contained some 160 family arms, including arms of his close friends and relatives (Korenic-Neoric, Taskovic etc.), in order to prove his noble ancestry and to obtain noble status in Spain, where he reached the status of vice admiral. The armorial contained both real and imaginary arms, as well as dozens of arms attributed to the nobility during the time of medieval Serbian Czar Dushan the Great (died in 1346). It also contains “Land” arms of Macedonia, Bulgaria, Bosnia, and Serbia. Those are called “Land arms” (from slavic Zemja/zemlja meaning land) to distinguish from territorial arms, because the armiger is not a real administrative entity, but simply an undefined land (see Cosić´ 2015). 3 First Stematographia by Vitezovic was published in Vienna in 1701. It was in Latin, containing 56 territorial arms of “all Slavic” lands from the Adriatic to the Baltic Sea, including the 9 Illyrian Land arms. The same book, translated into Church Slavonic by Hristofor Zefarovic, was published in Vienna in 1741. This book, and its 4 editions, was the only heraldic printed work available for Slavic-speaking peoples in the Balkans for centuries. Genealogy 2018, 2, 52 3 of 15

The coats of arms of Serbia4, Bulgaria5, and Albania6, are taken from historic Illyrian arms. The coat of arms of Greece underwent several changes, from an ancient composition to a simple cross.7 But, there are situations where it is desirable for historical continuity to be avoided. In that case, there could be a public competition where artists have the opportunity to “invent” a new emblem.8 The first such example is the emblem of Italy.9 Public competition for a state emblem is usually conducted in countries with internal conflict, as a way to create new symbols without historical reference to the related sides of the conflict.10 The flag of Cyprus was adopted in 1960 after a public competition, in which the condition was that it not contain blue, red, a cross or a crescent, as these were symbols of the opposite parties. The design, with the contours of the island and olive branches, was by Ismet Gunei, a Turkish Cypriot. The choice of state symbols in Kosovo followed the pattern of conflict symbols.11 Albanians in Kosovo used the flag, coat of arms, and anthem of the Republic of Albania, which they regarded as national, rather than state, symbols. Therefore, new symbols, other than those perceived as national ones, needed to be created. The flag of the Republic of Kosovo was adopted immediately after the proclamation of independence on 17 February 2008. The flag’s design was a result of an international public competition, organized by UNMIK,12 and attracted nearly a thousand proposals. In these circumstances, the use of symbols used by the conflicting entities in Kosovo was banned. The winning design was by Muhamer Ibrahimi, and it is also was displayed on the emblem of Kosovo. The flag of Kosovo has a blue background, bearing the outline of Kosovo, on which six golden stars are placed in an arch. The stars officially symbolize the six main ethnic groups in Kosovo.13

4 The armorial achievement of the Principality of Serbia was adopted in 1835, and was taken from the Stematographia of Vitezovic of 1701. It was Stojan Novakovic’s idea to establish a symbolic connection, showing continuity with the medieval Serbian state of Tzar Dushan, in the arms of the new Kingdom of Serbia. In 1882, the two-headed white eagle from the coat of arms of the noble family of Nemanjic from the Illyrian armorials was added and, also, the arms of the Principality of Serbia were placed on the eagle’s chest. The design is by Austrian Ernst Khral, and was later reintroduced in 2009. 5 The armorial achievement of Bulgaria in 1879 is also taken from Stematographia. In 1997, the design of the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Bulgaria, from 1927 to 1946, was restored, with minimal changes to the crown, in an interpretation by Kiril Gogov and Georgi Chapkanov. 6 The coat of arms and flag of Albania are derived from the arms of the Kastrioti family from the Illyrian armorial. The flag (actually a heraldic banner) was adopted on 28 November 1912, following a proposal by Ismail Qamil. In 1992, the Republic of Albania restored the small arms of 1930 and, in 1998, the Skanderbeg golden helmet was placed in the chief of the shield. 7 In 1822, the emblem depicted the goddess Athena with an owl. In 1828, there was a phoenix, born again from the ashes, with a cross above and the date 1821 below. The latter was also used from 1967 to 1975. Between these periods a coat of arms—Azure a cross Argent—was used, with additional dynastic elements from the coats of arms of the ruling dynastieson a large inescutcheon with up to two layers of inner inescutcheons. On 7 June 1975, the outer elements of the achievement (supporters, compartment, mantle, and crown)were replaced by a wreath of laurel leaves. This design was by Costas Gramatopoulos. 8 This new symbol always relies on “old” or universal symbols but, as a symbolic composition, it appears for the first time in the public arena. 9 After the Second World War, a public competition was held to choose a new symbol of the state, one which was to break with the old symbols associated with fascism. A condition of the public competition was that the design of the new emblem should have the Italian star, an old symbol of Italy, without political and “historical” connotations. The emblem, with a socialist connotation, was accepted in May 1948. The design is by Paolo Paschetto. 10 The case of the Republic of Slovenia is different. In May 1991, Slovenia decided to obtain its emblem through a public competition. Slovenia, then part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Serbs, (SCS) had a real coat of arms which was represented on the marshalled arms of the Kingdom: Azure, three mullets of six points Argent over crescent Or. Slovenia also has a “land” coat of arms—the traditional coat of arms of Kranjska, with an eagle. The new emblem of Slovenia is, in fact, an heraldic representation of the socialist arms by removing the ideological elements and inserting new charges—a triple mountain with waves in the base on a shield, and with the addition of three stars from the coat of arms used within the Kingdom of the SCS, and without elements of the “Land Arms”. The coat of arms designed by Marko Pochachnik was adopted on June 2nd, the day before the independence vote. This example is the so-called “Slovenian solution”, where the artist edits the design of already-present elements. 11 In Bosnia and Herzegovina, when the two constituents failed to agree on the state symbols, the High International Representative suggested a blue design with a yellow triangle (representing the simplified contour of the territory of Bosna and Hercegovina), as well as nine amulets of Argent, following the example of the Cyprus flag (the use of the contours of the country) as a national symbol. 12 UnitedNation Mission in Kosovo. 13 Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Gorani, Roma, and Bosniaks. Genealogy 2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 15 proclamation of independence on 17 February 2008. The flag’s design was a result of an international public competition, organized by UNMIK,12 and attracted nearly a thousand proposals. In these circumstances, the use of symbols used by the conflicting entities in Kosovo was banned. The winning design was by Muhamer Ibrahimi, and it is also was displayed on the emblem of Kosovo. The flag of GenealogyKosovo 2018has, a2 ,blue 52 background, bearing the outline of Kosovo, on which six golden stars are placed4 of 15 in an arch. The stars officially symbolize the six main ethnic groups in Kosovo.13

2. The Choice of Symbols of the Republic of Macedonia Independence in in 1991 1991 found found Macedonia Macedonia “symbolically” “symbolically” and and “emblematically” “emblematically” unprepared. unprepared. The ThePeople’s People’s Republic/Socialist Republic/Socialist Republic Republic of Macedonia of Macedonia used three used symbols three symbols for forty foryears: forty the years: star from the 14 thestar flag, from the the mountain, ﬂag, the and mountain, the sun and from the the sun state from emblem the state (Figure emblem 1).14 During (Figure the1). lastDuring decades the of lastthe 20thdecades century, of the two 20th symbols—the century, two symbols—thegolden lion, and golden the golden lion, and sixteen-rayed the golden sixteen-rayed sun on a red sunfield—were on a red slowlyﬁeld—were introduced. slowly introduced.These symbols, These previously symbols, previouslyused by the used Macedonian by the Macedonian diaspora, diaspora, were slowly were introducedslowly introduced to the public to the space public inside space Macedonia. inside Macedonia. An example An of example this would of this be wouldthe rally be in the Skopje rally for in theSkopje proclamation for the proclamation of the results of of the the results Referendum of the Referendum on 8 September on 81991 September (Референдум 1991 (Референдум во Македонија во 1991).Мaкедониja 1991).

Figure 1. The Soviet style emblem of the Socialist Republic of Macedonia, officially ofﬁcially called “Coat of Arms”15 from from 19701970 bookbook “The“The CoatsCoats ofof ArmsArms ofof Macedonia”Macedonia” byby AleksandarAleksandar Matkovski.Matkovski.

16 Towards the end of 1991199116,, the the political political parties parties represented represented in in the the Assembly were were in in favor of a public competition to select the state symbols, withoutwithout mentioning any specificspecific symbol. The political 17 Party VMRO-NP17, ,although although supporting supporting the the public public competition, competition, advocated advocated a a specific specific proposal proposal for a coat of arms with a lion (ЧaнговaЧангова 19911991).). On 26 December 1991, the Assembly of the Re Republicpublic of Macedonia established the Commission for Constitutional Affairs to assume the role of carrying out the activities for the preparation and adoption of the Law on the Coat of Arms, the Flag Flag,, and the Anthem of the Republic of of Macedonia. The commissioncommission formed formed a workinga working group, group, led byled Tito by Petkovski, Tito Petkovski, which adoptedwhich adopted the schedule the accordingschedule accordingto which a to public which competition a public competition should be held, should and be the held, Law and should the Law be enacted should no be later enacted than no 20 Maylater 1992,than 20in accordanceMay 1992, in to accordance the Constitutional to the Constitutional Law (Петров 1992Law ).(Петров 1992). The competition lasted from 25 March until 1010 AprilApril 1992.1992. Article 3 of the document reads (CлужбенСлужбен 19921992):): “The proposals for the coat of arms, flag and anthem of the Republic of Macedonia should express the statehood, independence and sovereignty of the Republic, its historical traditions, 12 UnitedNationcultural heritage, Mission the in aspirationKosovo. for social and spiritual progress, the natural characteristics 13 Albanians,of the Republic, Serbs, Turks, unity Gorani, and coexistence Roma, and andBosniaks. the modern aspirations for a democratic society 14 According to the description of the Law, a mountain contour is in the field of the People’s Republic of and European and World Integration.” Macedonia’s arms and, at the end, it mentions the rising sun. 15 TheAtotal Macedonian of 275 proposals term “грб with” (grb) many is translated variants into were English submitted as “coat in the of contest,arms”. Although of which the 239 word were has for the coatheraldic of arms connotation, and the it flag, is used and to 36denote for the an anthemofficial emblem (Cтеногрaфски regardless 1992of its, heraldicity. p. I/7). The majority of the 16 With the Declaration of Sovereignty of 25 January 1991, Article 3 states: “a new Constitution will be adopted by which, among other things, the social order and the future symbols of the state of Macedonia will be determined”. The Constitution of 17 November 1991 in Article 5 determines the state symbols to be 14 Accordingdetermined to theby descriptionLaw, and the of the Constituti Law, a mountainonal Law contour prescribes is in thethat field Law of to the be People’s adopted Republic no later of than Macedonia’s six months. arms 17 and, at the end, it mentions the rising sun. 15 TheInternal Macedonian Macedonian term “грб” Revolution(grb) is translatedary Organization—People’s into English as “coat of Party. arms”. Although the word has heraldic connotation, it is used to denote an official emblem regardless of its heraldicity. 16 With the Declaration of Sovereignty of 25 January 1991, Article 3 states: “a new Constitution will be adopted by which, among other things, the social order and the future symbols of the state of Macedonia will be determined”. The Constitution of 17 November 1991 in Article 5 determines the state symbols to be determined by Law, and the Constitutional Law prescribes that Law to be adopted no later than six months. 17 Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization—People’s Party. Genealogy 2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 15

Genealogy 2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 15 “The proposals for the coat of arms, flag and anthem of the Republic of Macedonia should express the statehood, independence and sovereignty of the Republic, its historical “The proposals for the coat of arms, flag and anthem of the Republic of Macedonia should traditions, cultural heritage, the aspiration for social and spiritual progress, the natural express the statehood, independence and sovereignty of the Republic, its historical traditions,characteristics cultural of the heritage, Republic, the unityaspiration and coexistencefor social and and spiritual the modern progress, aspirations the natural for a democratic society and European and World Integration.” Genealogycharacteristics2018, 2, 52 of the Republic, unity and coexistence and the modern aspirations for a 5 of 15 democraticA total of 275 society proposals and European with many and variants World Integration.” were submitted in the contest, of which 239 were for theA coattotal ofof arms275 proposals and the flag, with and many 36 forvariants the anthem were submitted (Стенографски in the contest,1992, p. ofI/7). which The majority239 were of proposals included different designs of suns and lions. The Commission chose three sets of designs thefor theproposals coat of armsincluded and thedifferent flag, and designs 36 for ofthe suns anthem and ( Стенографскиlions. The Commission 1992, p. I/7). chose The threemajority sets of of bearing code names Feniks 92, MAKO, and 5522, which were publicly presented on 5 June 1992, from designsthe proposals bearing included code names different Feniks designs 92, MAKO, of suns and and 5522, lions. which The wereCommission publicly chose presented three on sets 5 Juneof which the ﬁnal proposals had to be selected (З. Д. 1992). 1992,designs from bearing which code the finalnames proposals Feniks 92, had MAKO, to be selectedand 5522, (З which. Д. 1992). were publicly presented on 5 June The code name “FENIKS 92” proposed a coat of arms with a lion in several color combinations: 1992,The from code which name the “FENIKS final proposals 92” proposed had to be a selectedcoat of arms (З. Д with. 1992). a lion in several color combinations: Gules a crowned lion Or, Sable crowned lion Or, and Gules crowned lion Sable (Figure2a). All resemble, GulesThe a crowned code name lion Or“FENIKS, Sable crowned92” proposed lion Or a ,coat and ofGules arms crowned with a lionlion inSable several (Figure color 2a). combinations: All resemble, too closely, the arms of existing states, while the third violates the rule of tincture of arms. The code tooGules closely, a crowned the armslion Or of, Sableexisting crowned states, lion while Or, theand th Gulesird violates crowned the lion rule Sable of (Figure tincture 2a). of arms.All resemble, The code name “MAKO” proposed coat of arms with the sun from the current state emblem, but represented it nametoo closely, “MAKO” the arms proposed of existing coat ofstates, arms while with the thsuirdn from violates the thecurrent rule stateof tincture emblem, of arms. but represented The code withitname with 16 “MAKO” 16 thin thin divergent divergent proposed rays, ra coatys, (as (asof popularly armspopularly with perceived theperceived sun from (Jonovski (Jonovski the current 20152015,, state p.p. 168)),168)), emblem, and one but proposalrepresented with Or lion Gules (Figure2b). The code name “5222” proposed a red shield with a yellow sunrise over Orit with lion 16Gules thin (Figure divergent 2b). ra Theys, (as code popularly name “5222” perceived proposed (Jonovski a red2015, shield p. 168)), with and a yellowone proposal sunrise with over blueOr lion waves. waves. Gules There There(Figure was was 2b). also also The a version acode version name with with “5222” a black a black proposed sun sun and and waves a red waves shieldon red on with and red andona yellow a onyellow a sunrise yellow shield, shield,over both breakingbothblue waves. breaking the There heraldic the was heraldic alsorule a ruleversionof tinctures. of tinctures. with aUnder black Under sun the and theshield, waves shield, there on there red is and isa ared on red aribbon ribbonyellow with shield, with the the both text “Makedonija”“Makedonija”breaking the heraldic(Figure(Figure3 3a)a)ru (le (З.З .of Д.Д .tinctures. 19921992).). Under the shield, there is a red ribbon with the text “Makedonija” (Figure 3a) (З. Д. 1992).

(a) (b) (a) (b) Figure 2. (a) Proposals by “FENIKS 92”18;;( (b)) Proposals Proposals by by “MAKO”. Figure 2. (a) Proposals by “FENIKS 92”18; (b) Proposals by “MAKO”.

(a ) ( b) (a) (b) Figure 3. (a) Proposals by “5522”; (b) The requested proposals by “FENIKS 92” for the arms and the flag. FigureFigure 3. 3.(a)( aProposals) Proposals by by “5522”; “5522”; (b ()b The) The requested requested proposals proposals by by “FEN “FENIKSIKS 92” 92” for for the the arms arms and and the the flag. In the end, the Commission asked the selected designers to submit a further proposal with the In the end, the the Commission Commission asked asked the the selected selected desi designersgners to to submit submit a afurther further proposal proposal with with the the same new golden sun on a red field for the arms and for the flag. The proposal submitted under the same new golden sun sun on on a a red red field field for for the the arms arms and and for for the the flag. flag. The The proposal proposal submitted submitted under under the the code “FENIKS 92” (Figure 3b) was accepted and included in the commission’s official Draft Law on code “FENIKS 92” 92” (Figure (Figure 33b)b) was accepted and and inclu includedded in in the the commission’s commission’s official official Draft Draft Law Law on on the Coat of Arms submitted by the MPs Tito Petkovski, Zoran Krstevski, and Kiro Popovski on 20 the CoatCoat ofof ArmsArms submittedsubmitted by by the the MPs MPs Tito Tito Petkovski, Petkovski, Zoran Zoran Krstevski, Krstevski, and and Kiro Kiro Popovski Popovski on on 20 June20 June 1992, as well as a proposal for a flag with the same sun. The draft proposal states: 1992,June 1992, as well as aswell a proposalas a proposal for a for flag a withflag with the same the same sun. sun. The The draft draft proposal proposal states: states: “The coat of arms of the Republic of Macedonia is a shield with a red field enclosed with a “The coat of arms of the Republic of Macedonia is a shield with a red field enclosed with a yellow“The coat (golden) of arms edge. of the In Republicthe middle of of Macedonia the shield isis aa shieldyellow with (golden) a red sun. field The enclosed sun has with 16 yellow (golden) edge. In the middle of the shield is a yellow (golden) sun. The sun has 16 primarya yellow rays (golden) that break edge. in In 32 the rays, middle 16 of of which the shield are at is the a yellow top of the (golden) primary, sun. and The the sun other has 16primary primary rays rays that that break break in 32 in 32rays, rays, 16 16of ofwhich which are are at atthe the top top of ofthe the primary, primary, and and the the other other 16 are in the middle between the two primary rays. Under the shield is a ribbon on which is written “Republika Makedonija.”

18 All reconstruction of the proposals by Jovan Jonovski. 18 AllThe reconstruction explanation of on the the proposals proposal by forJovan a coatJonovski. of arms and a ﬂag with a 32-ray sun, and explanation of the whole process, was given by the Chairman of the Working Group of the Commission on

18 All reconstruction of the proposals by Jovan Jonovski. Genealogy 2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 15

16 are in the middle between the two primary rays. Under the shield is a ribbon on which Genealogy 2018, 2, 52 6 of 15 is written “Republika Makedonija.” The explanation on the proposal for a coat of arms and a flag with a 32-ray sun, and explanation Constitutionalof the whole Affairs,process, Tito was Petkovski. given by Thethe Chairm only mentionan of the of significanceWorking Group or symbolism of the Commission is the historical on continuityConstitutional of the Affairs, golden Tito yellow Petkovski. and red The colors only associated mention of with significance the flags or of symbolism the uprisings. is the These historical colors arecontinuity present in of thethe golden symbols yellow of the and Albanians red colors and associ Turksated who,with the for flags centuries, of the uprisings. lived together These withcolors the Macedoniansare present inin thesethe symbols areas. Also,of the those Albanians are symbols and Turks that who, our citizens for centuries, did not lived perceive together as representing with the anMacedonians enemy, an occupier, in these orareas. slavery Also, ( Cтеногрaфскиthose are symbols1992 that, p. our I/12). citizens did not perceive as representing anThe enemy, sun an as occupier, a symbol, or and slavery its meanings (Стенографски are not 1992, mentioned p. I/12). at all, but defensive statements follow that theseThe symbols sun as a are symbol, free from and theits meanings claims of are renewal not me ofntioned great kingdoms at all, but fromdefensive the past. statements Also, that follow these symbolsthat these do symbols not offend are otherfree from nations the claims and citizensof renewa ofl otherof great states, kingdoms that nofrom foreign the past. symbol Also, that is adopted, these andsymbols that they do not are offend not symbols other nations that will and have citizens widespread of other states, harmful that associationsno foreign symbol among is adopted, certain nations and andthat states. they are Finally, not symbols the Commission that will have “considers widesprea thatd harmful they have associations historical among understanding certain nations and areand an states. Finally, the Commission “considers that they have historical understanding and are an expression of the state-legal continuity of the Republic of Macedonia” (Cтеногрaфски 1992, p. I/12). expression of the state-legal continuity of the Republic of Macedonia” (Стенографски 1992, p. I/12). This is probably the only explanation of a state emblem in the world where the emphasis is on the This is probably the only explanation of a state emblem in the world where the emphasis is on inoffensiveness of the symbols to other states and nations, while the symbols themselves, and their the inoffensiveness of the symbols to other states and nations, while the symbols themselves, and intended meanings, are not mentioned at all. their intended meanings, are not mentioned at all. RegardlessRegardless of of this this process, process, the the MPs MPs mademade manymany proposals and, and, very very ofte often,n,after after being being rejected, rejected, thethe same same proposals proposals were were resubmitted. resubmitted. TheThe firstfirst proposalproposal for for the the coat coat of of arms arms included included a lion a lion derived derived fromfrom the the land land arms arms of of Macedonia Macedonia from from the the 1620 1620 Belgrade Belgrade Illyrian Illyrian Armorial, Armorial, with with a blazona blazonGules, Gules, a liona Orlion, queued Or, queued forchee, forchee, crowned crowned with awith ducal a ducal crown. crown. Above Above the shield, the shield, the samethe same crown crown with with the namethe “Makedonija”name “Makedonija” on a scroll on (Figurea scroll4 (Figurea). The 4a). inclusion The incl ofusion a name of isa name not strictly is not permittedstrictly permitted in an armorial in an achievementarmorial achievement (Петров 1992 (Петров). 1992).

(a) (b)

FigureFigure 4. 4.(a )(a Generic) Generic proposal proposal of of the the “Macedonian“Macedonian lion”; lion”; ( (bb)) The The proposals proposals by by Todor Todor Petrov Petrov based based on on thethe design design of of the the ﬂag. flag.

ThisThis coat coat of of arms, arms,Gules Gules crownedcrowned lionlion OrOr,, waswas the one one most most often often suggested suggested in in the the process process of of choosingchoosing the the arms, arms, accompanied accompanied with with different different inscriptionsinscriptions on the the ribbon ribbon under under the the shield: shield: 1. 1. WithWith the the text text “Makedonija”, “Makedonija”, in in the the proposals proposals of ofTo Todordor Petrov Petrov of 1 of June 1 June 1992; 1992; Blagoj Blagoj Toshev Toshev of 31 of 31July1992; July 1992; Vladimir Vladimir Golubovski Golubovski of 12 of August 12 August 1992; 1992; and, and, again, again, Todor Todor Petrov Petrov of 17 ofAugust 17 August 1992. 1992. 2. 2. WithWith the the text text “Republika “Republika Makedonija”, Makedonija”, in the in proposal the proposal of Dragi of ArsovDragi ofAr 20sov June of 1992;20 June Aleksandar 1992; FlorovskiAleksandar et al. Florovski of 22 July et al. 1992; of 22 and July Dragi 1992; Arsov and Dragi of 12 Arsov August of 1992.12 August 1992. 3. With “Macedoniae” in the proposal of Vladimir Golubovski of 7 August 1992. 3. With “Macedoniae” in the proposal of Vladimir Golubovski of 7 August 1992. 4. Without any text in the proposal of Todor Petrov of 8 June 1992. 4. Without any text in the proposal of Todor Petrov of 8 June 1992. The first proposal by Todor Petrov for the flag had a sixteen-rayed sun, now known as the The first proposal by Todor Petrov for the flag had a sixteen-rayed sun, now known as the Kutlesh/Star of Vergina, which eventually received the support of the majority. Then, following the Kutlesh/Star of Vergina, which eventually received the support of the majority. Then, following the initiative of Todor Petrov on 30 July 1992, an agreement was reached between the political parties for initiativea coat of of arms Todor with Petrov the same on 30 sun July with 1992, a description an agreement (Figure was reached4b): between the political parties for a coat of arms with the same sun with a description (Figure4b): The coat of arms of the Republic of Macedonia is a quadrilateral shield with a red field Theenclosed coat of with arms a ofgolden-yellow the Republic edge. of Macedonia In the middle is aof quadrilateral the shield there shield is a withgolden-yellow a red field enclosedsun with with eight a golden-yellow primary and edge.eight Insecondary the middle rays, of theslightly shield thickened there is a golden-yellowin the first half, sun with eight primary and eight secondary rays, slightly thickened in the first half, intermittently and symmetrically arranged around the solar disk. The basic solar rays are directly detached from the solar disk, and the final outer length of all sixteen sun rays coincides with the outer periphery of the sun. Genealogy 2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 15

Genealogyintermittently2018, 2, 52 and symmetrically arranged around the solar disk. The basic solar rays are7 of 15 directly detached from the solar disk, and the final outer length of all sixteen sun rays coincides with the outer periphery of the sun. The diameter of the solar disk is one-sixth of the length of the shield. The ratio of the diameter ofThe the diameter solar disk of to the the solar length disk of theis one-sixth basic solar of rays the is length one to of two, the and shield. the ratio The ofratio the lengthof the ofdiameter the secondary of the solar and disk basic to sun the rays length is seven of the to basic eight. solar rays is one to two, and the ratio of the length of the secondary and basic sun rays is seven to eight. Under the shield there is a red ribbonribbon withwith aa golden-yellowgolden-yellow edge on which word “Makedonija”“Makedonija” isis writtenwritten withwith golden-yellowgolden-yellow letters.letters.

The existingexisting nationalnational anthem,anthem, “Today“Today over over Macedonia” Macedonia”1919, and, and the the flag, flag, was was voted voted on duringon during the 41stthe 41st session session on 11 on August 11 August 1992. 1992. The flagThe is flag described is described as “The as diameter“The diameter of the solarof the disk solar is one-seventhdisk is one- ofseventh the width of the of width the flag. of Thethe flag. ratio The of the ratio diameter of the diam of theeter solar of diskthe solar to the disk length to the of thelength primary of the solar primary rays issolar one rays to two, is one and to the two, ratio and of thethe length ratio of the secondarylength of the and secondary primary rays and is primary seven to rays eight.The is seven center to ofeight.The the sun center coincides of the with sun the coincides point at whichwith the the point diagonals at which of the the flag diagonals intersect. of Thethe flag ratio intersect. of the width The andratio length of the ofwidth the flagand islength one to of two the (Figureflag is one4b)” to ( Cлужбенtwo (Figure1992 4b)”). (Службен 1992). However, no agreement was reached on thethe armsarms becausebecause VMRO-DPMNE,VMRO-DPMNE, again, returned to the proposal for a coatcoat ofof armsarms wherewhere aa lionlion isis aa charge.charge. Then,Then, twotwo “compromise“compromise proposals” were proposed with a lion and a sun: by Todor Petrov on 17 August 1992 (Figure 55aa left),left), andand byby TomislavTomislav Stefkovski and Gorgi Kotevski on 18 August 1992 (F (Figureigure 55aa right),right), wherewhere thethe sunsun isis setset onon thethe discdisc on the crown. The sun in the crown, heraldically, is only a decoration that does not change the arms which, in this case, is aa GulesGules lion,lion, queuequeue forcheeforchee crownedcrowned OrOr.. ThisThis proposalproposal waswas notnot supportedsupported by the Constitutional Commission.

(a) (b)

Figure 5. ((a)) Left:: “Compromise” “Compromise” proposal proposal by by Todor Todor Petrov, Petrov, right: by Tomislav Tomislav Stefkovski and Gjorgi Kotevski; (b) Proposals byby DimitarDimitar Dimitrovski.Dimitrovski.

The Government of Nikola Kljusev actively participated in the process and expressed its opinion on all proposals.proposals. Nevertheless, Nevertheless, in in this this period, period, there there was was a a political crisis leading to a change of government inin September September 1992. 1992. The The new new government govern ledment by Brankoled by CrvenkovskiBranko Crvenkovski no longer consideredno longer theconsidered adopting the of adopting a state emblem of a state to beemblem a priority. to be a priority. However, byby thethe endend of of the the year, year, there there were were several several more more proposals proposals for for the the emblem, emblem, including including the sun.the sun. Dimitar Dimitar Dimitrovski’s Dimitrovski’s proposal proposal of 25 of August 25 August 1992 1992 presents presents the sunthe withsun with 16 thin 16 divergentthin divergent rays fromrays from the code the code name name “MAKO”, “MAKO”, that that could could be blazoned be blazonedGyronny Gyronny of thirty-two, of thirty-two, Or andOr and gules, gules, a sun-disc a sun- ofdisc the of firstthe .first The. The coat coat of armsof arms is displayedis displayed on on a Spanish-stylea Spanish-style shield, shield, where where a a yellow yellow sunsun isis chargedcharged with the “first“first letter of Glagolitic script, AZ” (meaning “I”). Under the shield, there is a “ribbon with “Makedonija”“Makedonija” inin stylizedstylized OldOld SlavicSlavic letterletter (Figure(Figure5 b).5b). In thethe secondsecond proposal proposal of of Dimitar Dimitar Dimitrovski, Dimitrovsk ofi, 18 of September 18 September 1992, and1992, reaffirmed and reaffirmed on 7 October on 7 1992,October the 1992, central the sun central with sun 16 rays with was 16 rays used was from used Tito from Petkovski’sproposal. Tito Petkovski’sproposal. As in the As first, in thethe letterfirst, “AZ”the letter in black “AZ” is in placed black is on placed the sun on and,the sun in theand, description, in the description, an explanation an explanation of the dimensionsof the dimensions of the elementsof the elements is given is (Figuregiven (Figure5b). 5b). The last proposal proposal was was from from a agroup group of ofMPs MPs led led by byBozho Bozho Rajchevski, Rajchevski, dated dated 22 October 22 October 1992. 1992. The Theletter letter “M” “M” is set is on set the on thesun sun disc, disc, and and three three wavy wavy lines lines on on the the lower lower rays rays were were added added to to the the proposal

19 19 The The ﬁrst first twoline twoline read: read: Today Today over over Macedonia, Macedonia, new sun new of freedom sun of freedom rises. rises Genealogy 2018, 2, 52 8 of 15 Genealogy 2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 15

Todor PetrovPetrov (Figure(Figure6 6).). TheThe CommissionCommission tooktook aa positivepositive viewview ofof thisthis proposal,proposal, butbut aa disputedispute withwith Greece over the use of sixteen-rayed sun hadhad alreadyalready begunbegun andand itsits useuse waswas nono longerlonger anan option.option.

Figure 6. Proposal by Bozho Rajchevski.

In the the process process of of determining determining the the flag, flag, the the sun sun is presented is presented as a as symbol a symbol in two in twoforms, forms, both bothwith withconvergent convergent types, types, one with one 16 with rays 16 and rays the and other the with other 32 withrays. 32The rays. colors The remained colors remained constant: constant:a golden asun golden on a sun red on field. a red There field. Thereis still is a still difference a difference in interpretation, in interpretation, whereby whereby the the sixteen-rayed sixteen-rayed sun sun is interpreted as expressing continuitycontinuity withwith thethe ancient Macedonian dynastydynasty ofof Philip and Alexander2020,, while the 32-ray sun is a completely completely new, new, so far unknown unknown design, which should be used used for for the the future. future. For thethe coatcoat of of arms, arms, there there was was a “struggle” a “struggle” between between the symbols the symbols of the sunof the as in sun the as flag in described the flag above,described and above, a crowned and a lion. crowned In the lion. debate, In the nobody debate, challenged nobody challenged the historicity the historicity of the lion of as the a symbol lion as of a Macedonia,symbol of Macedonia, but questioned but questi its appropriatenessoned its appropriateness in modern in times. modern Only times. the Only MPs ofthe VMRO-DPMNE, MPs of VMRO- VMRO-NP,DPMNE, VMRO-NP, as well as theas well three as independent the three independen MPs, advocatedt MPs, advocated the lion. The the other lion.two-thirds The other two-thirds of the MPs wereof the against MPs were it. against it. The proposal for the coat of arms that received th thee greatest level of support during the process was that with a a sixteen-rayed sixteen-rayed sun, sun, just just like like that that on on the the adopted adopted flag. flag. VMRO-DPMNE VMRO-DPMNE initially initially supported supported it, it,but but later later withdrew withdrew their their support support and returned and returned to the to in theitial initialproposal, proposal, for a coat for of a coatarms of with arms a lion. with By a lion.doing By so, doingthe process so, the of process selecting of the selecting coat of thearms coat was of postponed arms was until postponed further untilagreement further was agreement reached. was reached. 3. Proposals with the Sun after 1992 3. Proposals with the Sun after 1992 The flag with a sixteen-rayed sun was met with huge hostility by the Hellenic Republic21, leading 21 to anThe embargo flag with lasting a sixteen-rayed 3 years, and sun ending was met with with the huge Interim hostility Accord, by the prescribing Hellenic Republicchanging ,the leading flag. toThe an proposals embargo for lasting the new 3 years, flag were and endingunderta withken by the Miroslav Interim Accord,Grchev (Grchev prescribing 2011). changing the flag. The proposalsFor all variations for the newof the flag flags were created undertaken during this by Miroslavsecret process Grchev of designing (Grchev 2011 the). new national flag, matchingFor all designs variations for the of thecoats flags of arms created were during made this with secret the matching process of designs designing for the the sun new (Figure national 7). flag, All matchingshields were designs red, with for the a golden coats ofgeneral arms wereshape made of the with crown the atop. matching The crown designs was for the the adaptation sun (Figure of7 ).a Allcrown shields designed were red,by Miroslav with a golden Sutej for general the achi shapeevement of the of crown the Republic atop. The of crown Croatia was (Stan theč adaptationić 2007), thus of aimmediately crown designed associating by Miroslav it with Sutej the forCroatian the achievement arms. In the of thefollowing Republic period, of Croatia only (theStanˇcić designs 2007 for), thus the immediatelyflag were published, associating while it with the the draft Croatian proposals arms. of In the the arms following were period, kept secret. only the The designs flag was for thefinally flag wereadopted published, on 5 October while the 1995, draft but proposals the proposals of the armsfor the were coat kept of secret.arms Thedid flagnot wasfind finallya place adopted in the onparliamentary 5 October 1995, procedure but the (Grchev proposals 2011, for p. the 3). coat of arms did not find a place in the parliamentary procedure (Grchev 2011, p. 3).

20 Although present in the wider region, the sixteen-rayed sun, later named Sun of Kutlesh/Star of Vergina, only became popular after the discovery of the Royal Tombs in Vergina (Slavic name-Kutlesh) in 1977. 21 The Province of Macedonia in Greece (a name used only since 1987, and previously called North Greece) started using a blue ﬂag with a golden or silver sixteen-rayed sun as a symbol of “Greek Macedonia”. Even though, heraldically, this is not a problem, since both ﬂags have different colors, the Greek government viewed the Republic of Macedonia’s use of this symbol as stealing one of its symbols.

20 Although present in the wider region, the sixteen-rayed sun, later named Sun of Kutlesh/Star of Vergina, only became popular after the discovery of the Royal Tombs in Vergina (Slavic name-Kutlesh) in 1977. 21 The Province of Macedonia in Greece (a name used only since 1987, and previously called North Greece) started using a blue flag with a golden or silver sixteen-rayedsun as a symbol of “Greek Macedonia”. Even though, heraldically, this is not a problem, since both flags have different colors, the Greek government viewed the Republic of Macedonia’s use of this symbol as stealing one of its symbols. Genealogy 2018,, 2,, x 52x FORFOR PEERPEER REVIEWREVIEW 99 of 15 Genealogy 2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 15

Figure 7. ProposalsProposals byby MiroslavMiroslav Grchev.Grchev. FigureFigure 7.7. ProposalsProposals byby MiroslavMiroslavGrchev. Grchev. The state leadership held that only minimal concessions under the Interim Agreement should The state leadership held that only minimal concessions under the Interim Agreement should be be given.The stateChanging leadership the arms held thatcould only have minimal opened concessions the door underfor changing the Interim the Agreementnational anthem, should given. Changing the arms could have opened22 the door for changing the national anthem, perceived at perceivedbe given. at Changing that time asthe an arms internal could affair. have22 opened the door for changing the national anthem, perceived at that time as an internal22 affair. that time as an internal affair. 22 perceivedProposals at that for timepreserving as an internal the sun affair.on the existing coat of arms then followed. One was the process Proposals for preserving the sun on the existing coat of arms then followed. One was the process of “heraldization”Proposals for ofpreserving the existing the statesun on emblem, the existing through coat theof arms so-called then followed.Slovenian One solution. was the Elements process of “heraldization” of the existing state emblem, through the so-called Slovenian solution. Elements ofof the “heraldization” coat of arms: ofthe the sun, existing the mountain, state emblem, and the through river should the so-called be placed Slovenian on the shield,solution. along Elements with of the coat of arms: the sun, the mountain, and the river should be placed on the shield, along with removingof the coat the of wreatharms: the and sun, the the ribbon. mountain, In 1998, and this the waswasriver proposedproposed should be byby placed JovanJovan on JonovskiJonovski the shield, (1998).(1998). along Later,Later, with removing the wreath and the ribbon. In 1998, this23 was proposed by Jonovski(1998). Later, several severalremoving others the made wreath simi andlar theproposals ribbon. (Figure In 1998, 8). this23 was proposed by Jovan Jonovski (1998). Later, several others made similar proposals (Figure23 8). othersseveral made others similar made proposals similar proposals (Figure8 ).(Figure 8).23

FigureFigure 8. “Slovenian“Slovenian solution”solution” by by Darko Darko Gavrovski ( Гавровски 2001).20012001).). Figure 8. “Slovenian solution” by Darko Gavrovski (Гавровски 2001). A second solution was the preservation of the existing state emblem, but with the removal of the A second solution was the preservation of the existing state emblem, but with the removal of the five-pointed red star. The initial proposal was by Faik Abdi on 30 July 1992. The proposal for the flag five-pointedA second red solution star. The was initial the preservationproposal was of by the Faik existing Abdi onstate 30 emblem,July 1992. but The with proposal the removal for the of flag the was to replace the red star with the emblem. This proposal was repeated by the Social Democrat MP, wasfive-pointed to replace red the star. red starThe withinitial the proposal emblem. was This by proposal Faik Abdi was on repeated30 July 1992. by the The Social proposal Democrat for the MP, flag Nikola Popovski, several times, in 1995 (A.Х. 1995) and in 1998 (Bоjновскa 1998). The proposal was Nikolawas to Popovski,replace the several red star times, with inthe 1995 emblem. (А..Х.. This1995)1995) proposal andand inin 19981998 was (repeated(Војновска by 1998).1998). the Social TheThe Democratproposalproposal waswas MP, again repeated in 2000 and 2007, by the then-Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. againNikola repeated Popovski, in 2000 several and times, 2007, byin 1995the then-Prime (А.Х. 1995) Minister and in 1998 Nikola (Војновска Gruevski. 1998). The proposal was Finally, on 16 November 2009, without a public and parliamentary debate, the new Law on the againFinally, repeated on 16in 2000November and 2007, 2009, by without the then-Prime a public Minister andand parliamentaryparliamentary Nikola Gruevski. debate,debate, thethe newnew LawLaw onon thethe Coat of Arms of the Republic of Macedonia was adopted, with the old-new design of the state coat of Coat ofFinally, Arms onof 16the November Republic of 2009, Macedonia without was a public adopted, and parliamentarywith the old-new debate, design the of new the Law state on coat the arms (Bоjновскa 2009). In place of the red star, the stalks were joined (Figure9). ofCoat arms of ( ВојновскаArms of the 2009).2009). Republic InIn placeplace of Macedonia ofof thethe redred star,star, was the thead opted,stalksstalks werewerewith joinedthejoined old-new (Figure(Figure design 9).9). of the state coat Article 2 of the Law on the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Macedonia describes it this way of armsArticle (Војновска 2 of the 2009).Law on In theplace Coat of the of redArms star, of thethe stalksRepublic were of joined Macedonia (Figure describes 9). it this way (Cлужбен 2009): (СлужбенArticle 2009):2009): 2 of the Law on the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Macedonia describes it this way (Службен 2009): (1) TheThe coat coat of of arms arms of of the the Republic Republic of of Macedoni Macedoniaa is is a a field field surrounded by by stalks of wheat that

(1) connectconnectThe coat to to ofthe the arms top, top, intertwinedof intertwined the Republic with with of fruits fruits Macedoni of of poppy poppya is and anda field tobacco tobacco surrounded leaves, leaves, which whichby stalks are are ofconnected wheat that to thetheconnect bottom bottom to withthe with top, a a ribbon ribbon intertwined embroidered embroidered with fruits with with of folk folk poppy motifs. motifs. and tobacco leaves, which are connected to (2) InInthe the the bottom middle middle with of of the thea ribbon field ﬁeld there thereembroidered is is a a mountain, mountain, with folkand and motifs.in in the the foothills foothills a a river river flows, ﬂows, and and the the sun sun rises rises

(2) behindbehindIn the middlethe the mountain. mountain. of the field there is a mountain, and in the foothills a river flows, and the sun rises behind the mountain.

22 Stojan Andov, President of the Constitutional Commission, later Speaker of the Assembly, in a private conversation with the author on 23 December 2017. 2223 22 In Stojan Stojan the “Start” Andov,Andov, in 2001, PresidentPresident illustrations ofof thethe for ConstitutionalConstitutional “Slovenian solutions” CoCommission, on the arms later of theSpeaker Republic of ofthe Macedonia Assembly, by Nikoin a Toziprivate and 22 Шaровски Aleksovconversation Stojan areAndov, shown, with President without the author any ofadditional onthe 23 Constitutional December information 2017 Co ( mmission,2001 later). Speaker of the Assembly, in a private 23 23 In Inconversation thethe “Start”“Start” ininwith 2001,2001, the illustrationsillustrations author on 23 forfor December “Slovenian“Slovenian 2017 solusolu tions” on the arms of the Republic of Macedonia by 23 Niko In the Tozi “Start” and Aleksovin 2001, illustrationsare shown, wi forthout “Slovenian any additional solutions” information on the arms (Шаровски of the Republic 2001).2001). of Macedonia by Niko Tozi and Aleksov are shown, without any additional information (Шаровски 2001). Genealogy 2018, 2, 52 10 of 15 Genealogy 2018,, 2,, xx FORFOR PEERPEER REVIEWREVIEW 10 of 15

This solution, announced as an interim solution that could be later explored and lead to another coat ofof arms,arms, produced produced many many negative negative reactions reactions from from the heraldicallyinformedthe heraldicallyinformed members members of the public.of the public.One major One reason major forreason this for was this they was considered they considered the removal the removal of the red of star the asred not star solving as not the solving problem the problemof removing of removing the ideological the ideologica connotationl connotation of the arms. of the They arms. also They thought also they thought should they wait should for the wait result for theof the result scheduled of the referendumscheduled referendum on a Law for on the a coatLaw offor arms the withcoat aof lion. arms (This with was a lion. an initiative (This was of thean initiativeVMRO-NP of whothe VMRO-NP organized thewho collecting organized of the signatures.) collecting of signatures.)

Figure 9. CoatCoat ofof ArmsArms ofof thethe RepublicRepublic of of Macedonia, Macedonia, 2009. 2009.

4. Proposals Proposals with a Lion 24 The ﬁrst attempt for an agreement on adopting a new coat of arms with a lion was in 199424 , The first attempt for an agreement on adopting aa newnew coatcoat ofof armsarms withwith aa lionlion waswas inin 1994199424,, onon theon theinitiative initiative of Todor of Todor Petrov Petrov who, who, as an as anindepen independentdent MP, MP, managed managed to obtain to obtain the the initial initial consent consent of theof the two two major major parties parties on a onproposal a proposal for the for Coat the of Coat ArmsArms of designdesign Arms designofof SocialSocial of DemocratDemocrat Social Democrat MiroslavMiroslav Miroslav Grchev.Grchev. TheGrchev. Gules, The a Gules,Lion queue a Lion forchée queue forch Or é(crowne Or (crown in the in chief the chief Or) Or) receivedreceivedreceived approvalapproval approval toto to enterenter enter thethe the AssemblyAssembly Assembly procedure (Figure(Figure10). 10). Unfortunately, Unfortunately, before before the the sess sessionion on on which which this this proposal proposal was was to to be be considered, considered, there was a misunderstanding between between the the parties parties ov overer a a completely completely different different point point of of the the agenda. agenda. 25 As a result, the propos proposalal failed to enter the Assembly session. 25 The The samesame proposal,proposal, inin 2000,2000, waswas partpart of the initiative of the World World Macedonian Congress to collect 10,000 signatures for passing a package 26 до средствата of laws, 26 including including thethe LawLaw ofof of thethe the CoatCoat Coat ofof of ArmsArms Arms ofof of thethe the RepublicRepublic Republic ofof of Macedonia.Macedonia. Macedonia. ((До ( средствата 2000).2000).2000).

FigureFigure 10. 10. ProposalProposalProposal withwith lionlion byby MiroslavMiroslav Grchev.Grchev.

In February 2001,2001, JovanJovan Pavlovski,Pavlovski, in in an an interview interview with with “Start”, “Start”, gave gave the the proposal proposal for for the the coat coat of ofarms armsOr, Or, a lion a Guleslion Gules, which,, whichwhich appeared appearedappeared on the onon flag thethe of theflagflag Razlog ofof thethe Uprising RaRazlog Uprising of 1876 and of in1876 the and Zefarovic’s in the Zefarovic’sStematographia Stematographia(Figure 11). This(Figure11).(Figure11). coat of This armsThis coatcoat was ofof applied armsarms towaswas the appliedapplied flag, resulting toto thethe flag,flag, in the resultingresulting first real inin use thethe of firstfirst the realnational use of flag the under national which flag the under Macedonians which the fought Macedonians for freedom. fought On for the freedom. other hand, On the in the other narrative hand, in of

24 24 Todor Todor Todor Petrov, Petrov,Petrov, inhis inin memories, hishis memories,memories, mentions meme 1993,ntions while 1993, Miroslav while Grchev, Miroslav in his Grchev book, mentions,, inin hishis book, 1994.book, No mentionsmentions further information 1994.1994. NoNo hasfurther been released,information so far, has that been can conﬁrmreleased, one so date far, or that the can other. confirm one date or the other. 25 further information has been released, so far, that can confirm one date or the other. 25 Talk with Todor Petrov, unknown date. 25 Talk with Todor Petrov, unknown date. 26 The Talk Law with on Todor the Macedonian Petrov, unknown OrthodoxChurch, date. the Law on the World Macedonian Congress, the Law on the Proclamation 26 26 of The The a Part LawLaw of on theon the Sharthe MacedonianMacedonian Planina for a National OrthodOrthodox Park, Church, the adoption the Law of a on Declaration the World on theMacedonian Name of Macedonia, Congress, the the adoption Law on of athe Declaration Proclamation on the of Status a Part and of Rightsthe Shar of thePlanina Macedonians for a Na withtional Islamic Park, Religion,the adoption and the of a adoptiona DeclarationDeclaration of a Declaration onon thethe NameName the position and rights of the Goranians, with a proposal of the Declaration. of Macedonia, the adoption of a Declaration on the Status and Rights of the Macedonians with Islamic Religion, and the adoption of a Declaration the position and rights of the Goranians, with a proposal of the Declaration. Genealogy 2018, 2, 52 11 of 15 Genealogy 2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 15 Genealogy 2018, 2, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 15 the landnarrative arms of of the Macedonia land arms from of Macedonia the Illyrian from arms the (Gules, Illyrian a lion arms Or), (Gules, is perceived a lion Or as), the is “forgery”perceived byas thedon “forgery”narrative Pedro Ohmuchevic ofby the don land Pedro (Шaровскиarms Ohmuchevic of Macedonia2001). (Шаровски from the 2001).Illyrian arms (Gules, a lion Or), is perceived as the “forgery” by don Pedro Ohmuchevic (Шаровски 2001).

Figure 11. Lion form the Razlovci Uprising flag.flag. Figure 11. Lion form the Razlovci Uprising flag. The next proposal was from the VMRO-Vistinska party in August 2001, during the conflictconflict in Macedonia.The next The The proposal proposal was was was from based the on VMRO-Vistinska the coat of arms party of the in party August itself, 2001, with during the same the conflictGules lion in queuedMacedonia. forchee The crowned proposal Or, butwas with based the on difference the coat of that arms there of arethe twoparty red itself, ribbons with above the same and belowGules lionthe shieldqueued onforchee which crowned “Republika Or, but Makedonija” with the difference is written that inin there goldgold are lettersletters two (Figure(Figure red ribbons 1212a)a) ( (aboveПaновПанов and2001 2001). below). the shieldIn on 2009, which VMRO-NP VMRO-NP “Republika conducted conducted Makedonija” an an initiative initiative is written to tocoll in collect ectgold 10,000 letters 10,000 signatures (Figure signatures 12a) for for(aПанов referendum a referendum 2001). on the on acceptancethe acceptanceIn 2009, of VMRO-NPthe of Coat the Coatof conducted Arms of Arms drawn an drawn initiativefrom the from toland thecoll armsect land 10,000 of arms Macedonia signatures of Macedonia from for athe fromreferendum Belgrade the Belgrade Illyrianon the ArmorialIllyrianacceptance Armorial of of1620 the for Coat of the 1620 Coatof Arms for of theArms drawn Coat of thefrom of Republic Arms the land of of the Macedonia.arms Republic of Macedonia In of this Macedonia. campaign, from the Ina Belgradespecific this campaign, drawing Illyrian wasaArmorial specific not made, of drawing 1620 but, for rather, was the Coat not an made, ofimage Arms but, taken of rather,the from Republic anthe imagebook of Macedonia. by taken Matkovski from In the thiswas book campaign, used by (Figure Matkovski a specific 12b).27 was drawing used 27 (Figurewas not 12made,b). but, rather, an image taken from the book by Matkovski was used (Figure 12b).27

(a) (b)

(a) (b) Figure 12. (a) Proposal by VMRO-Vistinska; (b) Land arm of Macedonia from Belgrade Armorial of 1620. FigureFigure 12. 12. (a)( aProposal) Proposal by by VMRO-Vistinska; VMRO-Vistinska; ( (bb)) Land Land arm of MacedoniaMacedonia from from Belgrade Belgrade Armorial Armorial of of 1620. 1620. In 2014, the Government proposed a coat of arms: Or, a lion Gules, and above the shield a mural crownIn. 28 2014, The thelion Government Gules with proposed no crown, a and coat with of arms: a single Or, a (not lion Gules,forchée) and tail, above overcame the shield the a mural two 28 problemscrown.. 28 TheThe that lionlion other Gules Gules proposals with with no withno crown, crown, a lion and hadand with faced.with a single Ita differedsingle (not forch (not iné threee)forchée) tail, heraldic overcame tail, waysovercame the twofromproblems the coattwo ofthatproblems arms other of that proposalsVMRO-DPMNE, other proposals with a lionand with hadthe aCoat faced. lion of had It Arms differed faced. of Bulgaria,It in differed three heraldicand in threemore ways heraldicimportantly, from ways the coatthe from Bulgarians of the arms coat of VMRO-DPMNE,hadof arms never of feltVMRO-DPMNE, it was and their the Coatown and of(Лажна the Arms Coat 2014). of of Bulgaria, Arms of and Bulgaria, more importantly,and more importantly, the Bulgarians the Bulgarians had never felthad itneverFor was the theirfelt basis it own was of ( theirЛaжнathe concreteown2014 (Лажна). graphic 2014). illustra tion, the work of Jerome de Bara from1581 was adopted,For thewith basis small of changes the concrete in order graphic to avoid illustration,illustra an anthropomorphiction, the work of appearance Jerome de Baraof the from1581 head, and was to strengthenadopted, with the smalltorso. changesA golden in mural order tocrown avoid with an anthropomorphicfive towers placed appearance on a golden of diadem the head, was and also to addedstrengthen to crown the torso. the shield. A golden This mural crown crown was also with adorned five five towers with placedrubies and on a pearls goldengolden from diadem Macedonia. was also29 29 Theadded blazon to crown of this thethe coat shield.shield. of arms This was crowncrown changed waswas alsoalso to read adornedadorned Or, a withwithlion Gules rubiesrubies (Figure andand pearlspearls 13). The fromfrom vector Macedonia.Macedonia. drawing29 isThe by blazon Jovan Jonovskiof this coat and of Kosta arms Stamatovskwas changedi from to read the Or, Macedonian a lion Gules Heraldry (Figure 13).Society. The vector drawing is by Jovan Jonovski and Kosta Stamatovski from the Macedonian Heraldry Society. 27 http://vecer.mk/makedonija/petokrakata-i-lavot-zaedno-vo-sobranie . Visited 26 June2017. 28 In May 2014, Jonovski was invited to the government to present the possibilities for finally resolving the proposal for the 27 coat http://vecer.mk/makedonija/petokrakata-i-l of arms of the Republic of Macedonia. At thatavot-zaedno-vo-sobranie. moment, the exact design of theVisited arms 26 was June2017. not determined, except that it 2827 should Inhttp://vecer.mk/makedonija/petokrakata-i-l May be 2014, sought Jonovski between thewas historical invitedcoats to the of armsgovernmentavot-zaedno-vo-sobranie. with Or, ato lion present Gules. the Visited possibilities 26 June2017. for finally resolving the 29 In accordance with the civic heraldic system of the Macedonian Heraldry Society where, according to the hierarchy of the 28 proposal In May 2014, for the Jonovski coat of armswas invitedof the Republic to the government of Macedonia. to Atpresent that moment,the possibilities the exact for design finally of resolvingthe arms wasthe territorial units, three towers are for a city, four for the capital, and five for the state. notproposal determined, for the exceptcoat of thatarms it of should the Republic be soug ofht Macedonia.between the Athistorical that moment, coats of the arms exact with design Or, a of lion the Gules arms. was 29 Innot accordance determined, with except the that civic it heraldicshould be system sought of between the Macedonian the historical Heraldry coats of Society arms with where, Or, accordinga lion Gules to. the 29 hierarchy In accordance of the with territorial the civic units, heraldic three systemtowers ofare th fore Macedonian a city, four for Heraldry the capital, Society and where,five for according the state. to the hierarchy of the territorial units, three towers are for a city, four for the capital, and five for the state. Genealogy 2018, 2, 52 12 of 15

The blazon of this coat of arms was changed to read Or, a lion Gules (Figure 13). The vector drawing is byGenealogy Jovan 2018 Jonovski, 2, x FOR and PEER Kosta REVIEW Stamatovski from the Macedonian Heraldry Society. 12 of 15

Figure 13. Government proposal, 2014.

The adoption of thisthis coatcoat ofof armsarms requiredrequired aa 2/32/3 majority, as wellwell asas thethe BadinterBadinter majoritymajority3030,, whichwhich waswas securedsecured with with the the consent consent of of the the leader leader of ethnicof ethnic Albanian Albanian party party DUI, DUI, Alija Alija Ahmeti. Ahmeti. The lionThe islion not is unknown not unknown as a symbolas a symbol in the in heraldry the heraldry of Albania, of Albania, and is and present is present on the on coats the ofcoats arms of ofarms many of familiesmany families and cities. and cities. In addition, In additi theon, lion, the aslion, a symbolas a symbol of Alexander of Alexander the Great,the Great, is acceptable is acceptable for thefor contemporarythe contemporary perception perception of the of Albaniansthe Albanians who who consider consider that Olympia,that Olympia, the mother the mother of Alexander of Alexander who waswho fromwas from Northern Northern Epirus, Epirus, is Illyrian, is Illyrian, and, accordingand, according to their to beliefs,their beliefs, therefore therefore Albanian. Albanian. The finalfinal and and confirmed confirmed proposal proposal was submittedwas submitted to the Governmentto the Government of the Republic of the ofRepublic Macedonia of onMacedonia 29 November on 29 2014.November On 5 2014. December On 5 December 2014, the Government2014, the Government adopted theadopted proposal the proposal for the Law for onthe theLaw Coat on the of Coat Arms of of Arms the Republicof the Republic of Macedonia. of Macedonia. A public A public debate debate was was opened opened at the at the Faculty Faculty of Philosophy,of Philosophy, the Institutethe Institute for National for National History, History, and the and Centre the forCentre Spiritual for CultureSpiritual of Culture the Albanians. of the TheAlbanians. participants The participants emphasized emphasized the significance the significance of the lion asof athe symbol lion as applied a symbol on applied the arms. on However,the arms. theHowever, discussions the discussions suggested thatsuggested the Or lionthat Gulesthe Oris anlion element Gules is deeply an element embedded deeply in embedded the culture in of thethe citizensculture of of the Macedonia. citizens of The Macedonia. proposal The was proposal to enter thewas parliamentary to enter the parliamentary procedure where procedure a two-thirds where majoritya two-thirds was majority needed forwas its needed election. for its election. According to a governmentgovernment statementstatement forfor thethe media:media:

The proposal for the coat of arms of the RepublicRepublic of Macedonia is based on the tradition of coats of arms connected with Macedonia, starti startingng with the illustrations by Willem Verland (+1481)(+1481) andand thethe Jerome Jerome de de Bara Bara of of1581, 1581, which, which, through through the theStematographias Stematographiasof Vitezovicof of Vitezovicof 1694 and1694 Zhefarovic and Zhefarovic of 1741, of will 1741, become will become the land the arms land of Macedonia.arms of Macedonia. In the European In the European armorials, thearmorials, most consistent the most representation consistent representation is the Or lion Gules is the. The Or most lion famousGules. representationsThe most famous are inrepresentations the armorial of are Jerome in the de armorial Bara of1581 of Jerome and Jean de Bara Roben of1581 of 1639, and which Jean Roben preceded of 1639, the Illyrian which andpreceded originated the Illyrian in European and originated countries with in European a developed countries heraldic with tradition. a developed heraldic tradition. The mural crown on the arms represents the republican arrangement of the state. The towers The mural crown on the arms represents the republican arrangement of the state. The of the crown represent the graphic expression of the number ﬁve which, in turn, is a symbol towers of the crown represent the graphic expression of the number five which, in turn, is of statehood. With this, it aims to emphasize and show the sovereignty and integrity of the a symbol of statehood. With this, it aims to emphasize and show the sovereignty and state. Ruby and pearls are symbols that connect the country with the earth as a natural soil. integrity of the state. Ruby and pearls are symbols that connect the country with the earth The lion as a symbol can be seen as unifying by all communities and citizens, because it is as a natural soil. The lion as a symbol can be seen as unifying by all communities and a symbol of Macedonians, Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Vlachs, Roma, and other communities, citizens, because it is a symbol of Macedonians, Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Vlachs, Roma, and and it represents the land symbol of the country, the territory, the state of Macedonia. It has other communities, and it represents the land symbol of the country, the territory, the state its own tradition but, also, the present and future of a European Macedonia, which takes care of of Macedonia. It has its own tradition but, also, the present and future of a European Macedonia, which takes care of its past, and also its future, through a symbol that promotes unity and creates unity for all who live in this region, a symbol that brings no division. 30 Which requiresa simple majority of the ethnic Albanian MPs. (Government Communication 2014) The proposal was, for the most part, publicly supported. There were various illustrations of the possible application of the arms found on social media, such as on passports. One of the critiques

30 Which requiresa simple majority of the ethnic Albanian MPs. Genealogy 2018, 2, 52 13 of 15

its past, and also its future, through a symbol that promotes unity and creates unity for all who live in this region, a symbol that brings no division. (Government Communication 2014)

The proposal was, for the most part, publicly supported. There were various illustrations of the possible application of the arms found on social media, such as on passports. One of the critiques came from a public perception, existing for nearly forty years, about the colors of the lion and the shield. From the opponents of the proposal, the main critique was that the lion was too similar to the symbol of the ruling party and, therefore, the party’s coat of arms was being made into the state one. Heraldically, this is not true, because the proposed coat of arms differs in three fundamental ways: (1) the colors of the lion and the shield differ from that of VMRO-DPMNE; (2) the lion has one tail; and (3) the lion is not crowned. But the perception and, thus, critique, was that if it is a lion, then it must be “VMRO”. However, more common were the comments from the practical side: whether this would require additional funds for individuals needing to change personal documents. Although, initially, there was agreement from the Albanian parties, later, some of the Albanian MPs announced they would not vote for this arms (ИнтервjуДУИ 2014) As a result, the Badinter majority was lost, and the proposal did not enter the parliamentary procedure. Unfortunately, due to the beginning of a political crisis in Macedonia, the adoption of the coat of arms was no longer a priority. This proposal is a result of research in heraldic sources over the last 10 years. The discovery of the presence of coats of arms, connected with Macedonia and a whole new world of the attributed coats of Alexander the Great in European armorials completely independent of the Illyrian armorials, began to give another perspective. It is expected this will slowly find its place in this debate, in addition to the established interpretation, as the existing perception begins to change.31 With the increasing availability of digitized armorials of world libraries in recent years, many people have been able to explore these armorials from the comfort of their own homes. Numerous discussions on this topic are being developed at the forum “Kajgana”.32 A high proportion of the arms attributed to Alexander the Great are Or, a lion Gules, as well as the reversed combination of colors (Nacevski 2016). This will lead to a critical re-reading of the book “The Coats of Arms of Macedonia”. Matkovski, himself, included 24arms in the book with the known colors, 13 are with Or, a lion Gules, and 11 Gules, a lion Or. After the publication of the Zetarovic’s Stematographia of a total of 10 sources, mentioned by Matkovski, eight are with a lion Gules, which confirm the actual rule of Stematographia in the heraldic awareness of a coat of arms connected to Macedonia. Thus, the strict understanding is that only Gules, a lion Or is the real and only Macedonian land arms, while Or, a lion Gules is a product of a conspiracy and a series of errors, has no factual or scientific basis (Nacevski 2015).

5. Conclusions After declaring independence in 1991, all political parties in the Republic of Macedonia were for changing the state emblem and the ﬂag through the competition mechanism, which is closer to the choosing/designing symbols in conﬂicting countries where two or more parties cannot agree on a symbol, or that the symbol is perceived as belonging to one of the parties. The basic suggestions for the coat of arms were two-fold: (1) a lion connected with the Land arms of Macedonia taken from the Illyrian arms, and (2) a new design for the sun, free from any claims for the renewal of larger kingdoms and, thus, not offending other nations and members of other states, not being an imported foreign symbol, and not being a symbol that will cause widespread harmful associations among certain nations and states.

31 Jonovski(2009, 2013). 32 http://forum.kajgana.com/threads/Grabovi-na-Makedonija-Makedonska-Hereldika.26652/. Visit 27 July 1992. Genealogy 2018, 2, 52 14 of 15

One of the reasons for not accepting the arms with the lion lay in the thesis submitted by Matkovski, that the Macedonian coat of arms is Gules, a lion Or, while the Or, a lion Gules is Bulgarian, and wherever it is shown as Macedonian, it is by mistake. Thus, according to Matkovski, Mavro Orbini failed, while Vitezovic swapped the red and the golden lion. That mistake has been repeated in every case where the lion Gules appears as Macedonia’s coat of arms. This became a widely accepted interpretation for 40 years. The situation became more complicated when the party VMRO-DPMNE took the land arms as the arms of the party, making the Gules, a lion Or to be perceived primarily as a party symbol. The coat of arms with Or, a lion Gules from the attributed coat of arms of Alexander of Macedon from the European armorials, and from the Stematographia, is one of the opportunities to get closer to European countries of the ﬁrst category of Laswell, and to neutralize conﬂicts characteristic of the other proposals for the coat of arms.

Funding: This research received no external funding. Conﬂicts of Interest: The author declares no conﬂict of interest.

References and Note

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