After Hungary ratified Sweden's accession to NATO earlier today, it is worth recalling the close ties between Estonia and Sweden throughout history.
Sweden and Estonia are connected by the same sea, and here's an interesting fact: while Swedes refer to it as Östersjön, meaning the Eastern Sea, Estonians aptly call it Läänemeri, translating to the Western Sea. This distinction arises from our locations on opposite sides of the sea, and both names are factually accurate. (Finns, it's technically the eastern sea for you too! 😎).
Estonia and Sweden have a lengthy history of shared experiences. Historical records indicate that the initial interactions between these two neighbors commenced during the early Middle Ages, characterized by a peaceful beginning.
Nevertheless, around the turn of the millennium, relations took a more challenging turn. In 1030, it is believed that a Swedish Viking chieftain named Freygeirr may have met his demise in a battle on Saaremaa (present-day Estonia).
During the 12th century, chroniclers documented raids by Estonian and Oeselian (Saaremaa Vikings) along the coasts of Sweden. Among the most infamous incidents was the 1187 attack by Oeselian pirates on the Swedish town of Sigtuna, during which they killed the Swedish archbishop Johannes.
Between 1561 and 1721, Estonia found itself under either complete or partial Swedish rule. The Swedish involvement in Estonia during this period stemmed from economic, political, and military considerations. Notably, the Swedish Crown was particularly keen on securing a portion of the profits derived from the lucrative trade with Russia.
Simultaneously, Estonia's incorporation into Swedish dominion can be viewed as a strategic measure to thwart Russia and Denmark from establishing potentially perilous footholds in proximity to Swedish-controlled Finland.
The era of Swedish rule is commonly referred to as the "good old Swedish times." It remains uncertain whether the Estonian-speaking population widely adopted this expression or if they perceived the period of Swedish rule as notably superior to that of earlier foreign rulers.
Under the sway of King Gustavus II Adolphus of Sweden and with the assistance of Governor Johan Skytte, a significant transformation unfolded during the Swedish rule. This period witnessed the establishment of the court of appeal in Tartu and the founding of the Academia Gustaviana. The inaugural enrollment of students occurred on the notable dates of 20 and 21 April 1632, marking the initiation of a pivotal chapter in the academic history shaped by the influence of Swedish governance.
From its humble origins as Academia Gustaviana, the institution has evolved into what is now recognized as the oldest and most prestigious university in the Baltic States – The University of Tartu (UT). UT stands as the flagship of Estonian science, boasting a position in the top 1% of the world's most-cited universities.
The conclusion of the Swedish era in 1721, brought about by the Great Northern War, marked the onset of a prolonged period of Estonian subjugation under the Russian Empire, lasting for an additional two centuries. The retrospective admiration for the Swedish rule as a "good time" becomes more apparent when considering the subsequent transition to Russian governance.
Before the outbreak of World War II, the west coast of Estonia frequently echoed with a mix of Swedish, Estonian, and German languages. Inhabitants of this region, known as Estonian Swedes or Coastal Swedes, were distinguished by their residence along the coastal areas.
Their earliest mention dates back to the Haapsalu town law of 1294. A considerable number of Estonian Swedes pursued careers as sailors and shipbuilders. Even today, the galeas Hoppet navigates Estonian waters near Riguldi, standing as the oldest remaining sailboat constructed in Estonia in 1924.
Known as the Estonian Swedes' de facto capital, Haapsalu harbored their primary settlements. Beyond Coastal Swedes, Haapsalu boasts another Swedish tie: Ilon Wikland, illustrator of Astrid Lindgren books, spent her formative years in this captivating town.
In 1944, she, along with numerous Estonians, fled Soviet occupation. On the evening of September 21, 1944, the final convoy departed Tallinn harbor amid Soviet bombings, offering a stark view of Tallinn in flames.
Pre-World War II, Sweden housed a modest number of Estonians. The landscape shifted drastically in autumn 1944 when, fearing the Soviet Red Army, around 70,000 Estonians abandoned their homeland, seeking refuge in Germany and Sweden.
Among those fleeing were Endel and Irene Ilves, parents of the Toomas Hendrik Ilves. Born in Stockholm in 1953, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, the two-term Estonian president (2006-2016), epitomizes the resilience of those who sought refuge on those boats.
Wherever Estonians landed post-war, they seamlessly assimilated. Pianist Käbi Laretei, for instance, enraptured audiences in Sweden, the UK, Germany, and the US, even gracing Carnegie Hall in New York with her music.'
Ilmar Reepalu assumed the role of Mayor of Malmö, orchestrating a nearly two-decade-long tenure that witnessed the metamorphosis of his city. Under his leadership, Malmö evolved from an ailing industrial town into a vibrant hub of contemporary architecture and sustainable green technology.
The saying "for every two Estonians, there are at least three organizations" has its roots in Sweden. Indeed, during Estonia's peak behind the Iron Curtain, approximately 400-500 Estonian organizations thrived in Sweden.
Regrettably, in 1944, Sweden stood among the first nations to recognize the Soviet occupation of the Baltic countries. However, on August 15, 2011, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt formally extended apologies to the prime ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. During a ceremony in Stockholm, Reinfeldt acknowledged that "Sweden owes its Baltic neighbors a 'debt of honor' for overlooking post-war Soviet occupation" and referenced "a dark moment" in his country's history.
It was on August 27, 1991, when Sweden officially re-recognized Estonia.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Swedish Estonians, some unfamiliar with their ancestral land or holding only hazy memories, journeyed to Estonia. They discovered a nation grappling with shortages of essential goods but infused with a burgeoning spirit of newfound freedom.
Carl Bildt, serving as the Swedish Prime Minister from 1991 to 1994, played a pivotal and influential role in negotiating the withdrawal of reluctant Russian military forces from Estonia. His diplomatic efforts and strategic acumen significantly contributed to the successful resolution of this critical geopolitical situation, showcasing his commitment to fostering stability and independence in the Baltic region during a crucial period of transition.
In the heart of Stockholm, there exists not just an Estonian nursery school but also an Estonian elementary school. While adhering to the Swedish curriculum with Swedish as the primary language of instruction, the essence of Estonia, its language, and culture gracefully interweave throughout extensive facets of the teaching process. This unique educational setting serves as a cultural bridge, fostering a deep connection to Estonia within the Swedish educational framework.
Enduring the test of time, the Estonian language weekly newspaper, Eesti Päevaleht, maintains its presence, finding its home at the Stockholm Estonian House. Functioning as a crucial hub, this establishment serves not only as the newspaper's headquarters but also as a vital center dedicated to the preservation and continuous development of Estonian heritage in Sweden. The Stockholm Estonian House stands as a cornerstone, fostering the cultural tapestry that binds the Estonian community in Sweden.
While estimates may fluctuate, it's generally believed that around 25,000 individuals who identify with Estonian heritage currently reside in Sweden, with a significant concentration in major urban centers like Stockholm and Gothenburg. These communities play a vibrant role in contributing to the cultural diversity and shared experiences within the Swedish social fabric.
The tragic events of 1994 saw the people of two nations, Estonia and Sweden, united in grief and empathy. On Wednesday, September 28, 1994, MS Estonia met a devastating fate, sinking in the Baltic Sea between approximately 00:50 and 01:50 (UTC+2). The vessel, en route from Tallinn, Estonia, to Stockholm, Sweden, became the epicenter of a calamity that not only claimed lives but also forged a somber connection between the citizens of both countries as they faced the aftermath of this maritime disaster.
The catastrophic sinking of MS Estonia in 1994 stands as one of the gravest peacetime maritime disasters of the 20th century, resulting in the tragic loss of 852 lives. The official investigation into this harrowing incident concluded that a critical failure occurred when the bow door separated from the vessel, causing the ramp to be ajar. The repercussions of this maritime tragedy reverberated deeply, leaving a lasting impact on both Estonia and Sweden, as the two nations mourned together and grappled with the aftermath of this heart-wrenching event.
Since the tragic sinking of MS Estonia in 1994, numerous theories have emerged, creating a web of speculation around the events. Some theories point fingers at the United States or Russia, alleging the transport of weapons on board that may have caused an explosion. As of now, none of these theories have been officially confirmed, but they continue to fuel a rich source of material for various articles and films. The enduring mystery surrounding the MS Estonia disaster remains a poignant and complex chapter, inviting ongoing exploration and discussion in the realms of journalism and cinematic storytelling.
I have had the pleasure of visiting Sweden on multiple occasions throughout my adulthood, and each trip has left me with the warmest and most cherished memories. As my narrative takes a personal turn, allow me to share some captivating moments captured during my latest journey to Sweden in July 2022, particularly in the charming locale of Nacka, Stockholm. These images encapsulate the essence of my experience, highlighting the beauty and allure that Sweden, with its rich history and stunning landscapes, graciously offers to its visitors.
