Nationalism Gallery

Czech Republic - 10th All Sokol Rally in Prague 1938

A rally to promoting public exercise as a way to stimulate national self importance (through organised gymnastic and athletic demonstrations - usually mass-participation). The Sokol (which translates as Falcon') arose as the first Czech Gymnastic organisation in the 1860s. Between the First and Second World Wars the organisation grew to have a million members. The Sokol programmes were organised to have mass appeal across all strata of Czech society and across all age groups. Miroslav Tyrs (1832 -1884) (pictured top right) was a key exponent of this approach and is duly being honoured by the ranks of passing Sokol participants. Tyrs believed that a nation must be physically fit, morally on a high plane and intelligent in order to secure independence and retain it. Elevated to Doctor of Philosophy at Charles University and a member of the Education Staff of Riegers Encyclopedia, Tyrs formulated his Sokol plan, creating an entirely new gymnastic terminology. The next twenty years of his life were devoted to Sokol. He was the first Physical Director, editor of the Sokol paper and creator of calisthenics and exercises, placing the whole system on a firm scientific basis. This card commemorates 20 years of the event. Date: 1938

Czech Republic - Sokol Rally in Prague 1920s

A rally to promoting public exercise as a way to stimulate national self importance (through organised gymnastic and athletic demonstrations - usually mass-participation). Sokol was founded on the philosophy that a physically fit, mentally alert and culturally developed people can make a nation strong. The word "sokol" translates to falcon and is symbolic of the Sokol ideals: Courage, Strength, Endurance, Fraternalism, Love of democratic principles, and Pride in country. Miroslav Tyrs (1832 -1884) (depicted in the centre) was a key exponent of this approach and is duly being honoured by the ranks of passing Sokol participants. Tyrs believed that a nation must be physically fit, morally on a high plane and intelligent in order to secure independence and retain it. Elevated to Doctor of Philosophy at Charles University and a member of the Education Staff of Rieger's Encyclopedia, Tyrs formulated his Sokol plan, creating an entirely new gymnastic terminology. The next twenty years of his life were devoted to Sokol. He was the first Physical Director, editor of the Sokol paper and creator of calisthenics and exercises, placing the whole system on a firm scientific basis. Between the First and Second World Wars the organisation grew to have a million members. The Sokol programmes were organised to have mass appeal across all strata of Czech society and across all age grous."

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

The Izjer Tower seen through the Pax Gate, Dixmuide

Listed as an International Peace Centre, the Tower is a symbol of Flemish Nationalism which came to a head during the First World War. The Towers history goes back to the 18th Century. The letters AVVVK on the Tower stand for Alles Voor Vlanderen. Vlanders Voor Kristus - All for Flanders. Flanders for Christ. The Celtic Cross headstones in the Tower grounds carry the AVVVK symbol and were designed by the Flemish artist Joe English. The Tower has different exhibitions on different floors and there are marvellous views over the whole countryside from the top. Date: 2016

© Holts Battlefield Collection / Mary Evans