Sociocultural Aspects of Citys Heraldry: History of the Symbols of the City of Irkutsk

Abstract

A versatile art of heraldry includes historical, geographical, legal, and certainly, cultural components. Heraldic symbols reflect notions of basic, fundamental values of society, groups and separate individuals, preserve traditional values and, due to respective symbols, contribute to the formation of notional values. It is impossible to imagine modern society without coats of arms, flags, official signs or emblems. In the article, the authors consider regional and municipal aspects of heraldry which provide a symbolic basis for the development of the area as a part of the whole, integral state. All the above mentioned aspects define a responsible approach to such an essential process as art of heraldry. The article highlights a largely unknown for a broad public and confusing story of the coat of arms of Irkutsk, several versions explaining this peculiar case are taken into account. The authors offer a journey into the history of the city and investigate different representations of the symbol of Irkutsk.