The Secret History Behind Albania's Flag
Albania's flag shows an eagle with two heads, and it is more than five centuries old.
The black double-headed eagle on a red field is the direct descendant of the banner that the national hero Skanderbeg raised at Krujë in November 1443 when he led the Albanian resistance against the Ottomans.
When Albania declared independence on November 28, 1912 in Vlorë, Ismail Qemali raised that banner. The two heads are often read as vigilance, and as the union of the country's northern and southern halves.
Red is the color of bravery and sacrifice. Albanians celebrate Flag Day and Independence Day on November 28.
The date printed on every Albania design in our catalog, November 28, 1912, is that day in Vlorë.
An eagle with two heads that never stopped watching.
Looking for a gift with a story? See our heritage gift guide, or read the story behind any other country's flag on our free Flag Stories page.