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The Zogist salute, or the nationalist Albanian salute, is a military salute of Albania since used by civilians in other countries. The salute is a gesture whereby the right hand is placed over the heart, with the palm facing downwards.
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The salute is still popular with modern supporters of Zogu and Albanian monarchists in general, and the Albanian nationalists of the Balli Kombëtar. Under the post-war communist government of Enver Hoxha, the Zogist salute was used by dissidents as an anti-regime statement.
History
The distinctive gesture was instituted as a salute by Zog I of Albania. It was first widely used by Zog's personal police force and was later adopted by the Royal Albanian Army.
Leo Freundlich, when confronted by the Nazi greeting "Heil Hitler", would sarcastically respond with a "Heil Zogu" salute. The confusion which this created among German diplomats, who believed it to be a standard Albanian greeting, greatly amused him.
Other countries
A similar salute is also used in India by the Hindu nationalist organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. This salute is called Sangh pranaam. It is also the normal way of taking the Indian pledge. In Latin America, especially in Mexico, a gesture similar to the Zogist salute is used by civilians to salute the national flag.