Vasa dynasty

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Swedish royal house founded by Gustavus Vasa. He liberated his country from Danish rule 1520–23 and put down local uprisings of nobles and peasants. By 1544 he was secure enough to make his title hereditary. His grandson, Gustavus Adolphus, became king 1611 and led the armies of the Protestant princes in the Thirty Years' War until his death. The dynasty ended 1809 when Gustavus IV was deposed by a revolution and replaced by his uncle Charles XIII. With no heir to the throne, the crown was offered 1810 to one of Napoleon's generals, Bernadotte, who became King Charles John until his death in 1844.

The emblem recalls the flag of Turkey, a long-standing ally. The points of the star represent the eight Turkic tribes of Azerbaijan. Effective date: 5 February 1991. >>