Heraldry of the Russian Oblasts
Posted: 15 Dec 2012, 18:17
The Territorial Division of the Russian Federation is a bit complex, there are the two cities of Moscow and St Petersburg with special status, a range of semi-independent Republics and then the Oblasts and Krajs which are the Provinces/Districts into which Russia proper are divided. I will here have a look at the Heraldry of the Oblasts, in which one can trace serveral distinct influences. Firstly we have those Oblasts which have revived the Arms of the Imperial Governorate to which the present Oblast roughly correspondes territorialy, secondly some Soviet symbolism has been kept and thirdly totaly new Arms.
Arms of the Amur Oblast approved 1878 and again 26 April 1999.
Arms of the Archangelsk Oblast, approved for the Archangelsk Governorate 5 June 1878 and for the Oblast 15 July 2003. The canting Arms shows the Archnagel Michael fighting the Devil.
Arms of the Astrakhan Oblast, approved 17 December 2001. It is basicaly the same as the old Astrakhan Governorate and the the Astrakhan City Arms.
Arms of the Amur Oblast approved 1878 and again 26 April 1999.
Arms of the Archangelsk Oblast, approved for the Archangelsk Governorate 5 June 1878 and for the Oblast 15 July 2003. The canting Arms shows the Archnagel Michael fighting the Devil.
Arms of the Astrakhan Oblast, approved 17 December 2001. It is basicaly the same as the old Astrakhan Governorate and the the Astrakhan City Arms.