On the organization by the Zonal State Archives in Orsha of the exhibition «Urban Heraldry. The history of one city in the coat of arms»

The Zonal State Archives in Orsha has prepared the exhibition «Urban Heraldry. The history of one city in the coat of arms», dedicated to the history of the development of the territorial heraldry of the settlements of the Vitebsk region.

At present, interest in Belarusian symbols is extremely relevant. First of all, this is connected with the realization by every inhabitant of our country of the fact that he is a citizen of the Republic of Belarus, as well as with the national and spiritual revival of the Belarusian people as a whole. Symbolism is a part of our rich history, a bright and unique element of ideology and culture.

The Belarusian city heraldry has a long and rich history. The coats of arms of Belarusian cities vividly convey the spirit of the time – these are castles, fortresses, defensive structures, figures of saints.

To date, the coats of arms and flags of 33 settlements of the Vitebsk region are registered in the State Heraldic Register of the Republic of Belarus – the largest number among all regions of the country, 17 coats of arms of which are more than one hundred years old.

The most ancient are the coats of arms of Vitebsk, Gorodok, Disna, Polotsk, Surazh and Ulla – they have existed since the 16th century.

The exhibition is addressed to a wide range of people: schoolchildren, students, local historians, teachers and everyone interested in the history and culture of the region.