Zogist salute
The Zogist salute is a military salute of Albania since used by civilians in other countries.[1][2] The salute is a gesture whereby the right hand is placed over the heart, with the palm facing downwards.
The salute is still popular amongst modern supporters of Zogu and Albanian monarchists in general. Under the post-war communist government of Enver Hoxha, the Zogist salute was used by dissidents as an anti-regime statement.[3]
Similar salutes, with unrelated histories, are used in India and Mexico.
History
The distinctive gesture was instituted as a salute by Zog I of Albania. It was first widely used by Zog's personal police force and was later adopted by the Royal Albanian Army.[1]
Leo Freundlich, when confronted by the traditional Nazi greeting "Heil Hitler", would sarcastically respond with a "Heil Zogu" salute. The confusion which this created amongst German diplomats, who believed it to be a standard Albanian greeting, greatly amused him.[4]
Other countries
India
A similar salute is also used in India by the international Hindu social volunteer organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. This salute is called Sangh pranaam ("Respect for Union").
Mexico
In Latin America, especially in Mexico, a gesture similar to the Zogist salute is used by civilians to salute the national flag.[5]
See also
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Zogist salutes. |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Britannica Online Encyclopedia". Britannica.com. Retrieved 2012-05-12.
- ↑ "Ahmet Zogu 1 – King of the Albanians 1895 – 1961". Albanur.net. 2002. Retrieved 2012-05-12.
- ↑ Posted by Zontar 2.0 (2007-12-02). "The Crypt of Torpor: The Zogist Salute". Cryptoftorpor.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2012-05-12.
- ↑ "1913 | Leo Freundlich: Albania's Golgotha: Indictment of the Exterminators of the Albanian People". Albanianhistory.net. Retrieved 2012-05-12.
- ↑ February 24, 2010 (2010-02-24). "Flag Day in Mexico". Vacations.com. Retrieved 2012-05-12.
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