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The Treaty of Hamina 1809 The Finnish nation’s build-up and long way towards independence began in a small fortress town of Hamina on the border. The Finnish War, which had begun on February 21, 1808, ended on September 17, 1809, when Sweden and Russia made peace in Hamina. Back in 1809, Hamina was a Russian town that had been made part of Russia by the Treaty of Turku in 1743.As a result of the Treaty of Hamina, Finland’s 600-year-long state connection with Sweden ended. In the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland within the Russian Empire, prosperity grew and national culture developed along with national spirit, however, and this led to independence in 1917 and today’s modern democracy.
The Treaty of Hamina Anniversary 2009 In 2009, Hamina celebrates the 200-year-old treaty in many ways. History is a strong element in the anniversary, with a historic event behind it. The theme of the treaty is, however, brought to the present day as well – in the spirit of cultural encounters and a common future for the Baltic Sea region. Thanks to the tremendous contribution from associations and active citizens, the anniversary’s message comes close to everyone in Hamina. The anniversary programme includes several exhibitions, lectures, concerts, films, theatre performances and much more. The cooperation network becomes nationwide through Merkkivuosi 1809, a national organization for the commemoration of 1809 in Finland, and international connections are also built and used in various events. One of the government-organized events during the commemoration year takes place in Hamina: the international conference on the future of the Baltic Sea region, which will be arranged by the Prime Minister’s Office, Centrum Balticum, and the town of Hamina. The anniversary will culminate in the celebration weekend on September 17–20, 2009. During the weekend, a historical military camp will appear in the town, a town drama will tell about events two hundred years ago, and the rhythms of a peace concert will fill the Hamina Bastion canopy.
Excerpts from the anniversary programme:
3.2. Anniversary opening: a lecture of ambassador Heikki Talvitie 1.-5.6. International seminar on the future of the young, Mekkala 2009 – Time adventure 1809–2009, a camp for 9–13-year-olds 4.6.-27.9. Treaty of Hamina 1809 exhibition 27.-28.8. International conference on the future of the Baltic Sea region, World premiere of the “Towards the Treaty of Hamina” oratorio
Celebration Weekend on September 17–20 16.9. Treaty of Hamina theme cruise, M/S Kristina Brahe, from Helsinki to Hamina The calendar of events will be updated regularly. Changes are possible.
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