Weekly Flag Challenge: Discussion & Entries
- Thread starter Transparent Blue
- Start date
Flag of the Bulgarian Port Colony of Dzhingtau, 1918-1922
In 1915, the Kingdom of Bulgaria rejected the offer to join the Central Powers in the First World War, remaining neutral until 1916, when the nation was persuaded to join the Entente, cutting off the supply route between Germany and the Ottoman Empire and protecting Serbia's flank during its battles against the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Following the Entente victory in mid-1918, the victors divided all German colonial possessions amongst themselves. The German Kiautschou Bay concession was transferred to the Kingdom of Bulgaria, which renamed it as the Port Colony of Dzhingtau. Being primarily a port area, the new colony was administered by the Bulgarian Navy. As a result, the flag of the colony was based not on the Bulgarian national flag, but on the naval jack, adorned with a Chinese dragon on a sun to symbolise the rising of Bulgarian power in the area. The continuation of the concession proved very unpopular in China and, as a result of various diplomatic shenanigans led by the USA, it was 'returned' to China in 1922. The Kingdom of Bulgaria instead gained extra territory from the dismantled Austro-Hungarian Empire which had previously been transferred to Serbia. This was a key factor in the next Balkan war which broke out between these two erstwhile allies in 1927.
In 1915, the Kingdom of Bulgaria rejected the offer to join the Central Powers in the First World War, remaining neutral until 1916, when the nation was persuaded to join the Entente, cutting off the supply route between Germany and the Ottoman Empire and protecting Serbia's flank during its battles against the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Following the Entente victory in mid-1918, the victors divided all German colonial possessions amongst themselves. The German Kiautschou Bay concession was transferred to the Kingdom of Bulgaria, which renamed it as the Port Colony of Dzhingtau. Being primarily a port area, the new colony was administered by the Bulgarian Navy. As a result, the flag of the colony was based not on the Bulgarian national flag, but on the naval jack, adorned with a Chinese dragon on a sun to symbolise the rising of Bulgarian power in the area. The continuation of the concession proved very unpopular in China and, as a result of various diplomatic shenanigans led by the USA, it was 'returned' to China in 1922. The Kingdom of Bulgaria instead gained extra territory from the dismantled Austro-Hungarian Empire which had previously been transferred to Serbia. This was a key factor in the next Balkan war which broke out between these two erstwhile allies in 1927.
I meant GMT, actually, as I wouldn't get access to the Internet until now, well over 9:00 CET/CEST.
That said, the contest is now closed. I shall make the poll in short order. Watch this space.
Looking at the submissions from @BelfastBrawler and myself, I now really want to see a TL which combines both - Bulgaria on the rise!
Good luck everyone.
Good luck everyone.
Yeah, could be interesting. I myself am surprised by the prevalence of Bulgarian scenarios in this round.
I suppose its OTL history in the Central Powers makes it a more alluring premise than most other majority-Slavic nations.
A well-deserved win by @BelfastBrawler - I have to admit that when I'd seen the other entries I thought about not posting mine at all, as his was clearly so much better, but considered that that would be impolite to the organiser, especially after kindly being given some extra time as well!
https://www.alternatehistory.com/fo...cussion-entries.136905/page-129#post-10656474
US State of Scotland by @Rarayn
https://www.alternatehistory.com/fo...cussion-entries.136905/page-174#post-15902593
Workers' Commonwealth of Dixie by @Jing_Jing
Flag of the Workers' Commonwealth of Scotland
After its successful accession to the United States after leaving the United Kingdom, the state of Scotland was coming to regret joining its new nation. Many Scots were uncomfortable with America's right-leaning politics, and its friendliness with Britain. Many also experienced bigotry from other Americans as they were seen as foreigners. Soon, many Scots began to see their new, far-left, multicultural, and historically Anglophobic southern neighbors as a far better fit. The synergist Scottish Solidarity Party's surprise gubernatorial election victory brought a referendum which narrowly passed, despite attacks from both major parties, with 51% of the vote, and Scotland became the newest workers' commonwealth in Dixie. Their new flag combines the thistle and saltire with the cotton and wheat wreath and the broken chains of synergism.
US State of Scotland by @Rarayn
https://www.alternatehistory.com/fo...cussion-entries.136905/page-174#post-15902593
Workers' Commonwealth of Dixie by @Jing_Jing
Flag of the Workers' Commonwealth of Scotland
After its successful accession to the United States after leaving the United Kingdom, the state of Scotland was coming to regret joining its new nation. Many Scots were uncomfortable with America's right-leaning politics, and its friendliness with Britain. Many also experienced bigotry from other Americans as they were seen as foreigners. Soon, many Scots began to see their new, far-left, multicultural, and historically Anglophobic southern neighbors as a far better fit. The synergist Scottish Solidarity Party's surprise gubernatorial election victory brought a referendum which narrowly passed, despite attacks from both major parties, with 51% of the vote, and Scotland became the newest workers' commonwealth in Dixie. Their new flag combines the thistle and saltire with the cotton and wheat wreath and the broken chains of synergism.
Last edited:
Been a long time this I entered one of these.
Flag of the Eight United Kingdoms of the New Danish Empire, also known as EUKONDE or Yukon.
War weary, and financially bankrupt, after decades of various wars and conflicts, the Seven United Kingdoms of England were forced by circumstances to unite with one of their former colonies in the New World. The Jamestown colony was sold to the Swedish crown in the early 1600's. By the late 19th Century Sweden could not longer sustain its reach across the globe. The one time former colony of both the SUKE and Sweden, had finally thrown off the shackles of Swedish rule and declared itself The Kingdom of New Denmark. By the early 20th Century New Denmark had taken its place as one of the Great Nations of the world. As a mighty trading and banking nation, not to mention able to project their military might anywhere in the world, New Denmark was able to force the SUKE into a personal union. Renaming this new sovereign entity as the Eight United Kingdoms of the New Danish Empire (EUKONDE - or "Yukon" for shortness' sake), a call went out for a redesign of the national flag. It incorporates elements of both former national flags. The four hearts and four clubs represent the eight united kingdoms. The Heraldic Lion represents the Emprie. The three crowns represent the three major crown colonies of Hindien, Sydafrikka, and the island continent of Muspelheim.
Actaeon's The Kingdom of New Denmark
https://www.alternatehistory.com/fo...iscussion-entries.136905/page-21#post-3411640
The Professor's Flag for the Seven Kingdoms (7UK) challenge
https://www.alternatehistory.com/fo...iscussion-entries.136905/page-29#post-4357992
Flag of the Eight United Kingdoms of the New Danish Empire, also known as EUKONDE or Yukon.
War weary, and financially bankrupt, after decades of various wars and conflicts, the Seven United Kingdoms of England were forced by circumstances to unite with one of their former colonies in the New World. The Jamestown colony was sold to the Swedish crown in the early 1600's. By the late 19th Century Sweden could not longer sustain its reach across the globe. The one time former colony of both the SUKE and Sweden, had finally thrown off the shackles of Swedish rule and declared itself The Kingdom of New Denmark. By the early 20th Century New Denmark had taken its place as one of the Great Nations of the world. As a mighty trading and banking nation, not to mention able to project their military might anywhere in the world, New Denmark was able to force the SUKE into a personal union. Renaming this new sovereign entity as the Eight United Kingdoms of the New Danish Empire (EUKONDE - or "Yukon" for shortness' sake), a call went out for a redesign of the national flag. It incorporates elements of both former national flags. The four hearts and four clubs represent the eight united kingdoms. The Heraldic Lion represents the Emprie. The three crowns represent the three major crown colonies of Hindien, Sydafrikka, and the island continent of Muspelheim.
Actaeon's The Kingdom of New Denmark
https://www.alternatehistory.com/fo...iscussion-entries.136905/page-21#post-3411640
The Professor's Flag for the Seven Kingdoms (7UK) challenge
https://www.alternatehistory.com/fo...iscussion-entries.136905/page-29#post-4357992
Last edited:
@BelfastBrawler does the combined flag need any connection to the previous two other than design?
Not really. Just the flags. I imagine it could be interesting to create a backstory, but i thought it would be to much of a hassle so i left it up optionally.
Cool. I have an idea that combines designs but completely unrelated to the timelines of each.
Confederal (or Hanseate) Republic of Saxony
Hansesrepublik Saxen
Brief History
Despite the defeat of the French and Polish Republics in the French Revolutionary Wars the Holy Roman Empire could not endure. The 1810 Congress of Prague divided central Europe and the HRE, primarily based on the old Imperial Circles with some recognition of the various holdings as of 1809, into 7 kingdoms - The Netherlands, Saxony (eastern Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and western Upper Saxony), The Rhineland (Upper and Electoral Rhineland), Bavaria (most of Bavaria, Franconia, and Swabia), Austria, Bohemia, Poland - and expanded the liberated Swiss Confederacy.
Following the Great War the defeated Brunswick Kings of Denmark could not maintain their Kingdom of Saxony which became the Republic of Saxony.
With the rise of revolutionary socialism the Saxon Republic became a member of the syndicalist European Hansa colloquially called the New Hansa.
The Flag
The current flag of the Saxon Hanseate Republic is based on the old republic flag of heart and wreath on red, itself deriving from a common flag of the Saxon Kingdom which bore a white sealeaf and gold crown on red.
OOC Design Notes
The design elements of this Challenge Entry are based on The Burnham Hundred by Ah-Sue and the Amorous Imperium by Xanthoc
Hansesrepublik Saxen
Brief History
Despite the defeat of the French and Polish Republics in the French Revolutionary Wars the Holy Roman Empire could not endure. The 1810 Congress of Prague divided central Europe and the HRE, primarily based on the old Imperial Circles with some recognition of the various holdings as of 1809, into 7 kingdoms - The Netherlands, Saxony (eastern Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and western Upper Saxony), The Rhineland (Upper and Electoral Rhineland), Bavaria (most of Bavaria, Franconia, and Swabia), Austria, Bohemia, Poland - and expanded the liberated Swiss Confederacy.
Following the Great War the defeated Brunswick Kings of Denmark could not maintain their Kingdom of Saxony which became the Republic of Saxony.
With the rise of revolutionary socialism the Saxon Republic became a member of the syndicalist European Hansa colloquially called the New Hansa.
The Flag
The current flag of the Saxon Hanseate Republic is based on the old republic flag of heart and wreath on red, itself deriving from a common flag of the Saxon Kingdom which bore a white sealeaf and gold crown on red.
OOC Design Notes
The design elements of this Challenge Entry are based on The Burnham Hundred by Ah-Sue and the Amorous Imperium by Xanthoc
Flag of the Cathar Kingdom of Presbytobri
ATL History
The tales of Prester John and his Christian kingdom in Africa were popular in mediæval Europe, with his kingdom thought to be somewhere near Ethiopia. In fact the kingdom was located further south, around Lake Gnostali, one of the Great Lakes of Africa, having migrated further south during the times of the third and fourth Prester. The kingdom appears to have been a haven for various Christian refugees during the rise of Islam. However, one group of refugees was not fleeing the Muslims but the Catholic Church.
Catharism was a Christian dualist movement that thrived in Southern Europe during the 12th and 14th centuries. They believed there was a good God of immaterial things (such as light and souls) and a bad God of material things including the world and everything in it. They believed that the Roman Catholics were following the bad God (Satan). Because of their beliefs they were persecuted and massacred in the Albigensian Crusade by the Roman Catholic Church. However, one group managed to escape the persecution, fleeing through the Mediterranean then down the east coast of Africa, eventually arriving in the Kingdom of the Presters.
The arrival of the Cathars in Presbytobri changed the outlook of the kingdom to an inward-looking nation, suspicious of outsiders. Its territory expanded and contracted with the flow of tribes and commerce during the 15th to 19th centuries, managing to retain its independence during the 'Scramble for Africa' by European powers during the mid-19th century.
Today Presbytobri remains a 'closed' country, not welcoming visitors or trade with the outside world. The current ruler is Prester LIV – rulers being elected for life from the 27 members of the Council of Ascension. The kingdom is technically at war with the Vatican City, continuing the Cathar view of the Roman Catholic Church as followers of the bad God.
Flag Design
The flag comprises the green and white colours traditionally worn by the Presters, each with a blood-red border symbolising the blood shed by the martyrs of the true faith (Catharism). On the flag is the triple-cross symbol of the first Presters, above blood-red Cathar cross surrounded by a sun, representing representing the divine and the desire of all Cathars to follow God's will.
OOC Design Notes
This flag combines the winning flags of:
(1) WFC 103 (Children of Africa) - Presbytobri by AH-Sue
and (2) WFC 168 (Secret Proceedings, Secret Oaths and Secret Societies) Order of the Cathar by SpaceGod
The ATL is also a combination of their entries (the good ideas are theirs, the bad ones mine
).
Note: I've added a thin gray line round the flag to show the edge - that's not part of the flag itself.
ATL History
The tales of Prester John and his Christian kingdom in Africa were popular in mediæval Europe, with his kingdom thought to be somewhere near Ethiopia. In fact the kingdom was located further south, around Lake Gnostali, one of the Great Lakes of Africa, having migrated further south during the times of the third and fourth Prester. The kingdom appears to have been a haven for various Christian refugees during the rise of Islam. However, one group of refugees was not fleeing the Muslims but the Catholic Church.
Catharism was a Christian dualist movement that thrived in Southern Europe during the 12th and 14th centuries. They believed there was a good God of immaterial things (such as light and souls) and a bad God of material things including the world and everything in it. They believed that the Roman Catholics were following the bad God (Satan). Because of their beliefs they were persecuted and massacred in the Albigensian Crusade by the Roman Catholic Church. However, one group managed to escape the persecution, fleeing through the Mediterranean then down the east coast of Africa, eventually arriving in the Kingdom of the Presters.
The arrival of the Cathars in Presbytobri changed the outlook of the kingdom to an inward-looking nation, suspicious of outsiders. Its territory expanded and contracted with the flow of tribes and commerce during the 15th to 19th centuries, managing to retain its independence during the 'Scramble for Africa' by European powers during the mid-19th century.
Today Presbytobri remains a 'closed' country, not welcoming visitors or trade with the outside world. The current ruler is Prester LIV – rulers being elected for life from the 27 members of the Council of Ascension. The kingdom is technically at war with the Vatican City, continuing the Cathar view of the Roman Catholic Church as followers of the bad God.
Flag Design
The flag comprises the green and white colours traditionally worn by the Presters, each with a blood-red border symbolising the blood shed by the martyrs of the true faith (Catharism). On the flag is the triple-cross symbol of the first Presters, above blood-red Cathar cross surrounded by a sun, representing representing the divine and the desire of all Cathars to follow God's will.
OOC Design Notes
This flag combines the winning flags of:
(1) WFC 103 (Children of Africa) - Presbytobri by AH-Sue
and (2) WFC 168 (Secret Proceedings, Secret Oaths and Secret Societies) Order of the Cathar by SpaceGod
The ATL is also a combination of their entries (the good ideas are theirs, the bad ones mine
).Note: I've added a thin gray line round the flag to show the edge - that's not part of the flag itself.
Last edited:
The poll results are only visible if I vote, but it seems wrong voting in a content which I've entered just to see how things are going. Can anyone enlighten me on the votes to date?