[FACTBOOK] Northern Bukovina

[Northern Bukovina]

The Principality of
Northern Bukovina

~ Caritate Patriae ~

OOC: Greetings, nations! This will be an open album for everyone who'll be curious about different aspects of Northern Bukovina. Details about our leader, our people, religion, currency, lifestyle, laws, history, politics, news, changes & everything else - will be found here. I'm new to NS, and still learning how things work here, and english (because it's not my native language) - so feel free to correct my grammar and even make suggestions about what should I post. I'm glad to be here and put my imagination to work a little! So... this is my first post in the factbook, only with the name, the flag and the motto of the state. In the next post, I'll explain why choosing these, but for now, I wanted to make my introduction first! Thanks for reading, and I'll hope our journey would be long.

[Northern Bukovina]

The Principality of
Northern Bukovina

Behind the Name
The name Bukovina came into official use in 1775 with the region's annexation from the Principality of Moldavia to the possessions of the Habsburg Monarchy, which became the Austrian Empire in 1804, and Austria-Hungary in 1867.
The official German name of the province under Austrian rule (1775–1918), die Bukowina, was derived from the Polish form "Bukowina", which in turn was derived from the common Slavic form of buk, meaning beech tree.
Another German name for the region, das Buchenland, is mostly used in poetry, and means "beech land", or "the land of beech trees".

Short Background
Bukovina is a historical region in Central Europe, and it was divided between Romania and Ukraine - located on the northern slopes of the central Eastern Carpathians.
A region of Moldavia during the Middle Ages, the territory of what became known as Bukovina was - from 1774 to 1918 - an administrative division of the Habsburg Monarchy, the Austrian Empire, and Austria-Hungary.
After World War I, Romania established its control over Bucovina. In 1940, the northern half of Bucovina was annexed by the Soviet Union, and were part of Ukraine.
The Bukovian Rebellion - started in november 2014, along with Euromaidan Revolution in Ukraine, and then in may 2015 in Romania - ended in december 2017, with Northern Bukovina declared its independence from both countries, Ukraine and Romania, sparking controversy around the world.
With such a delicate problem, it's to see how Northern Bukovina will juggle with international affairs.

OOC: In my second post, it's some details about my country (not too much), where I present some quick briefing in cronology. So, present day, literally, is where all the action is developing. It's like an alternate history, with an event, called "The Bukovian Rebellion" took place in the year 2014. I'll explain in what way and how this was started, by who, and which are the repercussions of that move. Next, I'll describe my flag (and you probably figure it out why it's red with an "iron fist" logo on the center), why "principality" and not another form of government, who's the leader of the state NOW, and what's his prerogatives. Stay tunned! I accept, as I said, some suggestion, critics, and also questions. Thank you for your time and reading!

[Northern Bukovina]

The Principality of
Northern Bukovina

The "Fist of Freedom" Flag
The red colour on the backround is used as a metaphor, as a sign of some particular problem requiring attention. The flag was used by the bukovian rebels to indicate that they were preparing for battle. It's not a symbol of socialism or communism - but rather of something that arouses anger, irritation and revolt. Red is the color of blood and fire. It represent our strength and courage to fight with the opressors. Our vigor and our willpower, our rage and our anger - on the road to freedom, won with so much sacrifice. The expression "raise the red flag" (told by our Archduke, Leopold Alesanni in the middle of shootings) has remained in history.
The raised fist (or the clenched fist) is a symbol of solidarity and support with our fellows. It is also used now as a salute to express unity, strength, defiance, and resistance. The symbol has been picked up and incorporated around the world by various oppressed groups, explaining the reason why we use it. It's a symbol of resistance against Ukraine and Romania, used on The Bukovian Rebellion. In the past, when Northern Bukovina wasn't a sovereign nation, on the walls of each local institution, this distinctive sign was imprinted with graffiti.
The cogwheel that surround the clenched fist was said to illustrate "movement" over anything, technology and progress. One of the engines of the economy was our industry, destroyed in the armed conflict. Our factories and plants need to recover, at any cost. Our spirit of working people will overcome any test of time.

[Northern Bukovina]

The Principality of
Northern Bukovina

The Bukovian Organic Regulation

After the bukovian rebellion, Leopold Alesanni - as the new ruler and Archduke of Northern Bukovina - he held a speech in which he presented an organic law after which the newly sovereign state would operate, until new alterations.

“We must use the totality of our abundant resources including our cultural and artistic resources as building blocks for a new vision of North Bukovina, one that cultivates the best traditions of what and who we are."

Our regulation requires that we:
* Recognise the injustices of our past.
* Honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land.
* Respect those who work to build and develop our country.
* Believe that Northern Bukokovina belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.
* Establish a society based on social justice and fundamental rights.
* Every citizen is equally protected by law and no one is above it.
* Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person.
* Build a united Northern Bukovina able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.

[Northern Bukovina]

The Principality of
Northern Bukovina

The Bukovian Salute

~ Strenght against tyrants! ~

"The Raised Fist" (or the Bukovian Salute) is a gesture that is used as a greeting in North Bukovina since its independence (december 2017). The salute is performing by clenching your right hand, hold it to your chest (in the heart direction) and extend your arm to raise it above your head. It's a symbol of defiance and solidarity, associated to the struggle of the former oppresed population. Usually the person offering the salute would say "strenght against tyrants", which encapsulates connotations of former resistance and rebellion. Also, the salute is required for all civilian, no matter what your position is.

[Northern Bukovina]

The Principality of
Northern Bukovina

Bukovian Silver Coins


Perhaps the oldest mass-produced form of coinage, silver has been used as a coinage metal since the times of greeks. With over a dozen of silver mines, Northern Bukovina decided to use this form of currency because, along with gold, silver is the ultimate form of money, because it can’t be created out of thin air (and thus depreciated) like paper or digital forms. In a world of paper profits, digital trading, and currency creation, physical silver stands in contrast as one of few assets that you can carry in your pocket anywhere you go, even another state. And it can be as private and confidential as you want. Physical silver is also a tangible hedge against all forms of hacking and cybercrime. Believe it or not, you don’t go one day without using a product that contains silver. It’s used in nearly every major industry, from electronics and medical applications to batteries and solar panels. Silver is everywhere, whether you see it or not!
The inspiration for the Pegasus comes from real coins circulated in Ancient Greece thousands of years ago. On the front of the round, the Pegasus, the icon from Greek mythology, is pictured in flight along with the inscription "FREEDOM" and the 2018 year-date. Just as Pegasus can soar through the air, we, too, can rise above earthly burdens! And we prove it when we won our independence. This 1 oz (28 grams) silver round is a timeless symbol of this lesson we never forget!

[Northern Bukovina]

The Principality of
Northern Bukovina

Form of Government
~ Bukovian Autocracy ~

In earlier times, the term "autocrat" was coined as a favorable feature of the ruler, having some connection to the concept of "lack of conflicts of interests" as well as an indication of grandeur and power. The Bukovian Archduke (Leopold Alesanni) for example is styled, "The Autocrat of all Bukovians". Absolute monarchy is a form of monarchy in which one ruler has supreme authority and where that authority is not restricted by any written laws, legislature, or customs. Throughout much of European history, the divine right of kings was the theological justification for absolute monarchy. Our Archduke claimed supreme autocratic power by divine right, and his subjects have no rights to limit his power - with the consensus and sustained by the population of the new-founded state. The Archduke of Northern Bukovina concentrated in his person legislative, executive, and judicial powers. He could condemn men to death without the right of appeal. From his judicial authority followed his power both to make laws and to annul them. All the subjects of Northern Bukovina thinks that only God can judge The Archduke, because all of the sacrifices he made for Bukovina's freedom over the time. So any attempt to depose, dethrone or restrict his powers runs contrary to the will of God and may constitute a sacrilegious act.

"Do not pray for freedom! Seize it!"

[Northern Bukovina]

The Principality of
Northern Bukovina

Our beloved Archduke (I)

~ "The Autocrat of all Bukovians" ~
Leopold Alesanni

Archduke was the title borne from 1358 by the Habsburg rulers of the Archduchy of Austria, and later by all senior members of that dynasty. It denotes a rank within the former Holy Roman Empire (962–1806), which was below that of Emperor and King and above that of a Grand Duke, Duke and Prince. The territory ruled by an Archduke or Archduchess was called an Archduchy. All remaining Archduchies ceased to exist in 1918. Or that's what they tought...

Son of a Princess and a Governor
Princess Sophie of Hohenberg (24 July 1901 – 27 October 1990) was the only daughter of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, assassinated at Sarajevo on 28 June 1914. His asassination triggered the First World War, thus Sophie and her two brothers are sometimes described as the first orphans of the First World War. In late 1918, their properties in Czechoslovakia, were confiscated by the government. The children moved to Chernivtsi (a region in today's Northern Bukovina), which was to be the meeting place of the two spouses. Alesanni's father, Hieronymus von Alesani (1 October 1881 - 15 May 1955) was an ex-governor of Bukovina (the former administrative division of the Habsburg Monarchy until 1918) for seven years (1904/1911). In 1927, together with prominent personalities of Romanian politics, Hieronymous sets the foundation of a far-right movement and political party in Romania. The Iron Guard or the Legionnaire Movement - was ultra-nationalist, antisemitic, anti-communist, anti-capitalist and promoted Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Seeking to avenge his father's death, Sophie is committed to funding this movement, and the two meet for the first time in official positions. After two years, in 1929, Sophie and Hieronymus get married. On 3 March 1930, a boy is born. His name was Leopold, and legends will be written in his name...

[Northern Bukovina]

The Principality of
Northern Bukovina

Our beloved Archduke (II)

~ "The Autocrat of all Bukovians" ~
Leopold Alesanni

Archduke was the title borne from 1358 by the Habsburg rulers of the Archduchy of Austria, and later by all senior members of that dynasty. It denotes a rank within the former Holy Roman Empire (962–1806), which was below that of Emperor and King and above that of a Grand Duke, Duke and Prince. The territory ruled by an Archduke or Archduchess was called an Archduchy. All remaining Archduchies ceased to exist in 1918. Or that's what they tought...

Life in Exile
On 4 september 1940, the Iron Guard formed an alliance with General (later Marshal) Ion Antonescu. Using popular outrage at Romania being forced to return a large block of land as a result of the Second Vienna Award, the alliance forced the abdication of Carol II, and leaned even more strongly toward the Axis (Romania would formally join the Axis in june 1941). Romania was proclaimed a "National Legionary State", with the Legion as the country's only legal party. As part of the deal, Antonescu was named the Romania's honorary leader, while Hiernonymous Alesani became Prime Minister. Once in power, from september 1940, until january 1945, the Guard ratcheted up the level of already harsh anti-Semitic legislation and pursued, with impunity, a campaign of pogroms and of political assassinations. In 1944, World War II was going badly for the Axis powers, but the military dictator and the Prime Minister was still in control of Romania. By august 1944, the Soviet conquest of Romania had become inevitable, and was expected in a few months. Under the terms of the armistice, on 21 january Romania recognized its defeat by the USSR and was placed under occupation of the Allied forces, with the Soviets, as their representative, in control of media, communication, post, and civil administration behind the front.
In march 1945, political pressures forced Antonescu to appoint a pro-Soviet government headed by Petru Groza. Hieronymous Alesani, Leopold's father, was sentenced to death by the new Prime Minister "for betrayal of the Romanian people for the benefit of Nazi Germany, for the economic and political subjugation of Romania to Germany, for leading the Iron Guard, for murdering his political opponents, for the mass murder of civilians and crimes against peace". The former governor of Bukovina is now dead. After the age of 15, Leopold will grew without his father, but he'll keep it in his heart and remember it as a hero.
Early on the next morning of 30 December 1945, Leopold and her mother, Princess Sophie of Hohenberg, would leave Cernivtsi, Romania, for Greece. He repeatedly denied that the communist government had allowed him to take into exile any financial assets or valuable goods besides two suitcases. After the war, Romania was forced to formally cede the northern part of Bukovina to the USSR by the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty. The territory became part of the Ukrainian SSR. Leopold denounced his father's death as illegal, and contended he was his rightful heir to rule Bukovina.
Leopold would never see his father again. In march 1948, at the age of 18, Leopold began using one of his family's ancestral titles, "Archduke", from his grandfather, Franz Ferdinand. As an answer, The Communist Romanian authorities stripped Leopold of his Romanian citizenship. The URSS declares Leopold a non-grata person. On 10 june 1955 in Athens, Greece, he married Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma (born Paris, 18 September 1933). As Princess Anne was Roman Catholic, the couple asked for a dispensation from Pope Pius XII for the marriage. Negotiations with the Vatican broke down when Leopold refused to promise to raise any future children Catholic, as it would have been deemed illegal to his beliefs. The couple lived near Florence, Italy, until 1958, near Bonn, Federal Republic of Germany, until 1962, and then in Hampshire, England, until 1968. After that, the couple settled near Vienna, Austria, where they would live for the next 29 years. During exile, Leopold worked as farmer, pilot, entrepreneur and broker. With his wife, he had five daughters born between 1957 and 1974.
After the Dissolution of the Soviet Union, on 16 july 1990, the new parliament adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine. In august 1991, a faction among the Communist leaders of the Soviet Union attempted a coup to remove Mikhail Gorbachev and to restore the Communist party's power. After it failed, on 24 august 1991 the Ukrainian parliament adopted the Act of Independence. With a diplomatic passport from Austria, Leopold was able to obtain a 24-hour visa. On 25 December 1992, the Archduke, accompanied by several members of the royal family, landed at Chernivtsi Airport and entered in his birthplace and promised land, for the first time in 47 years. He intended to reach Bantscheny Cathedral, pray at the tomb of his father and attend the Christmas religious service. However, on their way to Bantscheny, the Archduke and his companions were stopped by a police filter, taken back to the airport and forced to leave the country.

[Northern Bukovina]

The Principality of
Northern Bukovina

National Anthem
~ The Cuckoo Sings ~

There are probably few who have heard about Constantine Mandicevschi, the author of the lyrics, who fought for the revival of the dignity of Northern Bukovina, which at that time (1948) was cut from all sides. A manifest. A battle cry of all the souls there, for the recovery of historical territories. The song was caught over by the Bukovians from the villages in the area as a popular song. Now, after the popular rhapsode has returned, this song-doin lives in the souls of all, by becoming the anthem of our country.

Damn the cuckoo, how he sings
It makes Bukovina resound
Damn the cuckoo, how he sings
It makes Bukovina resound


The cuckoo sings atop a fir
It makes Cernivtsi resound
The cuckoo sings in Cernivtsi
It resounds in Radauts.


Bukovina, realm of flowers
Where have your sons gone?
Bukovina, realm of flowers
Where have your sons gone?


They were taken to another land
But they'll come back when spring begins.
And when their time comes to return
You will be the one that they still love.


You, mountains, with gentle peaks
Don't allow the watch to perish.
You, mountains, with gentle peaks
Don't allow the watch to perish.


If your watch shall come to pass
This land of ours also dies.
If your watch shall come to pass
This land of ours also dies.