On Saturday, 9 November 2024 a joint, full-day professional meeting of the Society Heraldica Slovenica (HS) and Croatian Heraldic and Vexillological Association (HGZD) was co-organized with the Society of Brothers of Croatian Dragon (DBHZ) on the premises of DBHZ headquarters in the Tower over the Stone Gates in Zagreb. Truly impressive and historic, this heraldically and vexillologically interesting space offered a suitable backdrop for the members of these related societies to meet, exchange opinions, and get to know each other.
The meeting was opened by the Grand Master of DBHZ, Prof. Mislav Grgic, Dragon of Strossmayer, who welcomed all participants and briefly introduced the interesting halls in which the meeting took place, followed by a short presentation on the history and mission of DBHZ.
It was followed by opening speeches by the president of HGZD, LTC Assistant Prof. Dr. Željko Heimer, Dragon of the Butcher’s Door, master of ceremonies of DBHZ, and president of HS, Aleksander Hribovšek, who introduced both societies and the present members.
The introductory speeches were followed by a series of interesting lectures. The first was by Dr. Mario Jareb, who presented a short history of the Croatian coat of arms and flag. It was followed by a lively discussion, with participation by audience members, about some dilemmas regarding the creation of the Croatian tricolor. Next was a lecture by the president of HGZD, Dr. Heimer, who introduced the dragon heraldry and coats of arms and flags displayed in the hall. The lecturer connected the historic and impressive space in which we were gathered with his fascinating theme on the meaning and history of coats of arms and flags. The closing lecture was given by the chancellor of HS Anže Hobič, who presented the history of the creation of the Slovenian national flag as well as some new findings and highlights that have not yet been documented in Slovenian history.
The lectures were followed by the presentation of various scientific monographs in the field of heraldry and vexillology that were published in Croatia in the last few years. Prof. Dr. Tomislav Galović presented a student handbook the Croatian heraldic heritage I. – selected topics that aims to bring heraldry closer to students of history and which will be exdpanded in future. This was followed by other monographs, which were presented by HGZD president Heimer. Copies of some of these monographs were given by HGZD to the HS and its present members.
The lectures and monograph presentations were followed by lunch and socializing, after which members of HS accompanied by HGZD president Heimer visited the City Museum of Zagreb. There, under the leadership of the museum guide and with additional explanations from HGZD president Heimer, we looked at the permanent installation of historical artifacts with emphasis on the extensive collection of emblems, flags, and other identity symbols that are kept in the museum. After an exhaustive guided tour of the museum, we returned to Slovenia in the evening.
At this point, we would like to once again thank our hosts, the Croatian Heraldic and Vexillological Association and the Society of Brothers of Croatian Dragon, for a warm reception and their great co-organization of a very interesting professional meeting that showed that connections of related societies at the supra-regional level are very welcome. It is clear that there are many heraldic and vexillological topics for which the exchange of knowledge and insights is very useful and necessary. At the same time, we would like to express our gratitude once more for all the professional literature donated to our society and members. The biggest thank you goes to our good friend Dr. Željko Heimer, who is the soul and heart of HGZD and who carried the lion’s share of the organization and really made us feel welcome and very warmly received in Zagreb.
(After HS Facebook page, 11 Nov 2024)
CIGH