Itä-Uusimaa ? history and progress
Itä-Uusimaa is a cultural region of ten municipalities with capability and tradition. Its history reaches far and is rich in events: a chain of 90 prehistoric strongholds was established for defence purposes along the long coast of the Gulf of Finland and the inland region of Häme early in the first millenium. On the Linnamäki hill in Porvoo a defensive prehistoric stronghold existed probably as early as the Viking period in approximately in 800 ? 900 A.D. The location of Porvoo on the southern coast along the river route to Häme and the junction of roads emphasised the importance of the area. The Great Coastal Road (later the King?s Road) meandering along the southern coast since the 1200?s was a route of national importance.
Among climaxes of Finnish national history was the Diet of Porvoo in 1809 held while the war of Finland continued. During the Diet Finnish estates took the oath of allegiance to the Tsar of Russia in the church of Porvoo. Finland could keep their Lutheran faith and their own legal system, which consisted among other things the centuries old freedom of the peasants. Finland was raised among nations of the world as an independent Grand Duchy within the Russian empire. The autonomy of more than a century served as a basis for Finland?s later independence.
The built environment in Itä-Uusimaa remains the oldest in Finland. Buildings constructed before Finland?s independence (1917) constitutes approximately 11% of all buildings. Relatively speaking the percentage of old buildings in Finland is greatest in Itä-Uusimaa. Manor houses and old iron works are numerous in Itä-Uusimaa. Often manor houses are still in their original use as estates. The countryside is live and has faith in the future.
Oil refining and the oil industry in Sköldvik and the nuclear power plant on the island of Hästholmen in Loviisa are representatives of energy production and large scale industry in the region. Itä-Uusimaa is the second most industrialised region in Finland and approximately half of the gross national product of the region comes from industry. Several famous industrial products from ice cream manufacturing, domestic electrical appliances as well as chocolate kisses are to be found in the region.
The westward connecting corridor of the East the E-18 road crosses the region. The E-18 corridor running from Turku via Vaalimaa to Russia connects the southern coast of Finland to the metropolis of Saint Petersburg. Road number 6 on the other hand connects Itä-Uusimaa to the eastern parts of Finland and Russian Karelia. Connections from the E-18 corridor to the most important passenger ports both Helsinki and Turku are excellent.
The region of visual arts, literature and music
The home of national poet J.L. Runeberg is located in Porvoo. In addition to artists and music creators Porvoo also beckons writers. In the summer series of concerts include among others Avanti! in Porvoo, Sibelius days in Loviisa and concerts for violin in Sipoo. In addition numerous other high quality music festivals take place in the region. The cultural offerings of the program of Topelius days are abundant. Art galleries are located everywhere in the region. Cultural heritage lives and prospers in Itä-Uusimaa.
Runeberg pastries, cheeses, delicacies from the archipelago, smoked meats, delicious breads, different varieties of chocolates and berries all belong to the Itä-Uusimaa dining table. Handicraft enthusiasts find high quality professional skills in all the region?s municipalities. Sports addicts are offered good facilities and sports fans can indulge in national champions as well as Olympic medallists in numerous sports.
The archipelago
The archipelago of Itä-Uusimaa is loved by thousands of Finns spending their summertime in the archipelago. For instance the writer of the song of Itä-Uusimaa Jukka Kuoppamäki spends his summers in Emäsalo. In addition the mother of the Muumin trolls Tove Jansson enjoyed the tranquility of the archipelago of Itä-Uusimaa. The summer cottage tradition is very old. The waters of the archipelago are shallow but easy to navigate and the nature abundant.
The region as a living environment
Itä-Uusimaa is a growing and progressing region, yet with human proportions. The region is currently populated by less than 100 000 inhabitants, the fourth smallest in Finland according to statistics. As a living environment the region of Itä-Uusimaa is ideal: one can choose between historical old towns as well as countryside peace, village idyll and good opportunities for enterprise. A stone?s throw away is the international airport of Helsinki-Vantaa and the services of the capital city. Connections to elsewhere in Finland are also excellent. Welcome amid culture and other experiences in Itä-Uusimaa!
1.9. 2004 Jaakko Mikkola
