Flag of Alsace

The flag of Alsace (Alsatian: or , "red and white") is the original red and white flag of the region, and can be traced to the red and white banner of Gerard, Duke of Lorraine in the 11th century.
Particularly since the introduction of new French region Grand Est, the traditional " flag of Alsace has been widely promoted by the advocates of the Alsace autonomous movement.
History.
" (from the 11th century).
The original flag of Alsace, the "", dates back to the red and white banner of Gerard, Duke of Lorraine in the 11th century.
Red and white colours are commonly found on the coat of arms of Alsatian cities such as Strasbourg, Mulhouse and Sélestat, and additionally of many Swiss cities, especially in the region of Basel-Landschaft.
Departments flag (1949–2008).
Perhaps as the ' marks the Germanic roots of Alsace, it was replaced in 1949 by a new flag, representing the union of the two ' of and , however without real historical relevance. It was subsequently modified to a slightly different appearance, yet also representing the two departments.
Controversy.
There is controversy around the recognition of the Alsatian flag.
With the purpose of "Francosizing" the region, the ' has not been recognised by the French government. Some French politicians have erroneously called this a "Nazi invention" — while the ' is still known as the real historical emblem of the region by most of the population and the departments' parliaments.
Subsequently, the "" has been widely used during protests against the creation of a new "super-region" Grand Est, gathering Champagne-Ardennes, Lorraine and Alsace, namely on Colmar's statue of liberty.