On Moldova's Independence Anniversary, Stephen the Great's Flag Celebrates Bond with Romania

As Moldova looks forward to its 20th anniversary of Independence on August 27, the National Museum of History prepares to exhibit the battle flag of Stephen the Great, perhaps the most revered historical figure in both Moldova and neighboring Romania. Officials and culture professionals who contributed to its provisional transfer from Romania say that the flag is a symbol for the historical ties that connect the two countries. National Museum director Eugen Sava described the flag as priceless. “Such an event will show a new role of the museum in society, the educational role. The museum is more than a scientific institution for studying national heritage, but plays a big role in the education of the new generation”, he said. Deputy Minister of Culture Gheorghe Postica noted that the exhibition was a very special event because the battle flag of Stephen the Great belonged to the international heritage. “This flag was handled by Stephen the Great himself and is the only flag from that age to be kept until today. That’s why it has a special spiritual value for all Romanians. It’s an honor for Moldova to have this national relic in Chisinau”, stated the Moldovan Deputy Minister of Culture. Petre Guran, head of the Romanian Cultural Institute Mihai Eminescu in Chisinau, said that the exhibition was organized in 6 weeks and was a real test for the collaboration capacity of both sides. He thanked Romanian institutions for being ready to answer the Moldovan art-lovers’ wish to admire and learn about this object. Ernest Oberlander-Tarnoveanu, director of the National History Museum of Romania, said that the participation of many people and institutions was needed for bringing the flag in Chisinau. A special showcase was made, disassembled and reassembled in Chisinau. A helium box for protecting the flag was provided as well. “Organizing such an exhibition means 99% negotiations, diplomacy, discussions and the coordinated effort of a team. This wouldn’t be possible if we didn’t want to prove our Romanian brothers on the other side of the Prut River that we have a common history and the river’s water isn’t as deep as some claim. We can reach solidarity, unity, at least through our common cultural heritage”, said Ernest Oberlander-Tarnoveanu. Marius Lazurca, Romania’s Ambassador to Moldova, hailed the event as a sign of maturity reached in the relationship between Moldova and Romania. “When our relation is good, the Bucharest and Chisinau governments are engaged in a cooperation based on mutual trust and the most spectacular achievements are possible”, the diplomat said. Stephen the Great’s flag depicts Saint George sitting on the throne, embroidered with golden threat on red silk. St. George steps on a dragon, the symbol of evil. The battle flag was brought to Chisinau on August 24, at a cost of about 300,000 lei. It will be exhibited August 27 through September 10. The relic will be sent back to Bucharest on September 12.