Żygulski, Zdzisław: Ottoman art in the service of the empire (New York, NY [u.a.], 1992)

CHAPTER 1


INTRODUCTION
Historic Turkish Hags pose probiems that are complex and so far
poorly researched. Generally, Hags as a phenomenon of human cul-
ture are far from being fully expiained.' Studies in this He!d have
been ied by the International Federation of Vexiliologicai Associa-
tions, which organizes congresses for "banneristics," while the Flag
Research Center in Winchester, Massachusetts, which has been pub-
iishing its since 1961, also provides a forum for research
and discussion. Thanks to the efforts of these sources, some ruies
concerning the terminoiogy of Hags have been established. Terms in
Engiish, French, and German can now be translated into other lan-
guages, including Turkish.
Although the word /lag and corresponding words do not always
refer to the same object, the words (English) and FYaggc (Ger-
man) are recommended as generic terms for any textile used as an
emblem or symbol and fastened at one end, with the other end free.^
Any full description of a Hag should include: the name of the coun-
try or nation represented by the Hag; the name of the item in that
country's language; the user of the Hag; the date of manufacture;

1