The Zogist salute (Albanian: Përshëndetja zogiste) is an Albanian nationalist military salute 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 with modern supporters of Zogu and Albanian monarchists in general, and the Albanian nationalists of the Balli Kombëtar. Under the post-war communist government of Enver Hoxha, the Zogist salute was used by dissidents as an anti-regime statement.[3]
History
editThe distinctive gesture was instituted as a salute by King Ahmad Muhtar Zog. It was first widely used by King Zog's personal police force and was later adopted by the Royal Albanian Army.[1]
Leo Freundlich, when confronted by the Nazi greeting "Heil Hitler", would respond with a "Heil Zogu" salute, leading the German diplomats to believe it was a standard Albanian greeting.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b "Britannica Online Encyclopedia". Britannica.com. Retrieved 2012-05-12.
- ^ "Ahmet Zogu 1 – King of the Albanians 1895 – 1961". Albanur.net. 2002. Archived from the original on 2021-09-10. Retrieved 2012-05-12.
- ^ Zontar 2.0 (2007-12-02). "The Crypt of Torpor: The Zogist Salute". Cryptoftorpor.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2012-05-12.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Elsie, Robert. "1913 | Leo Freundlich: Albania's Golgotha: Indictment of the Exterminators of the Albanian People". Texts and Documents of Albanian History. Albanianhistory.net. Archived from the original on 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-05-12.