Nylands Nation (NN) is one of the 15 student nations at the University of Helsinki, Finland's oldest, Swedish-speaking and established in 1643 at The Royal Academy of Turku. In 1828, the Academy moved to Helsinki taking the name "University" and Nylands Nation moved there along with the other Nations. Since 1904 the house of Nylands Nation, a building designed by Karl Hård af Segerstad, has stood at Kasarmikatu 40.

Nylands Nation
Nationshuset, Nylands Nation's House, Kaserngatan 40
Latin nameNatio Nylandica
AbbreviationNN
Formation1643
InspectorTom Böhling
Members~800
AddressKasarmikatu 40
00130 Helsinki
Finland
Websitenylandsnation.com
Student Nations at
Helsinki University

Founding and Evolution

edit

Nylands Nation was established in 1643 as a nation for students originating from Nyland, in Turku. The Royal Academy in Turku, pioneered the concept of dividing students based on their province, a tradition inspired by universities in Paris and Italy from the 12th century. The concept of nations was designed to create a sense of belonging and identity among students.[1]

Initially, the nation was known for its inspector, Georgius Alanus, who supervised student conduct and acted as a liaison between the university and students. Over time, the nation became more established and began organizing diverse programs for its members, ranging from cultural evenings to large-scale events.

The House of Nations and Art Collection

edit

The institution's physical presence was realized with the construction of its national house in 1901, designed by architect Karl Hård af Segerstad. The house showcased a "Viking hall" for gatherings and celebrations. The nation boasts an impressive art collection comprising paintings, sculptures, textiles, stained glass, and drawings. The collection also extends to the Viking mythologically inspired interior of the national house.

The institution's archive, housed at the National Library in Helsinki, contains materials spanning 170 years, offering insights into Nylands Nation's history. Unfortunately, archives from the Swedish era were lost in the Turku fire of 1827.[2]

Legacy and Modern Era

edit

In the wake of Finland's independence, the nation adapted once more, returning to its original name, Nylands Nation. Today, membership in a nation is not mandatory for students at the University of Helsinki, reflecting the evolving nature of student organizations and higher education.

Friendship nations

edit

Nylands nation has close connections with a number of student nations and fraternities at several foreign universities.

Uppsala

edit

Lund

edit

Linköping

edit

Copenhagen

edit

Oslo

edit

Stockholm

edit
  • Humanistiska föreningen vid Stockholms universitet

Berlin

edit
  • VBSt Lysistrata

Marburg

edit

Tartu

edit

Inspectors

edit
Nylands nation's inspectors
 

Curators

edit
  • Fredrik Palmén, 2023-
  • Iris Wrede, 2020-2023
  • Anna Öhman, 2017-2020
  • Ina Scheinin, 2014-2017
  • Patrik Westerback, 2011-2014
  • Axel Nyman, 2008-2011
  • Jan D. Oker-Blom 2005-2008
  • Jonas Sundman 2002-2005
  • Charlotta af Hällström 1999-2002
  • Kati Sandelin 1996-1999

References

edit
  1. ^ "Nationens historia - Nylands Nation". www.nylandsnation.fi. Retrieved 2023-08-14.
  2. ^ "Husets historia - Nylands Nation". www.nylandsnation.fi. Retrieved 2023-08-14.

Further reading

edit
  • Eva Ahl (red.) m.fl., Minns du hur ödet oss förde tillhopa ...? Nylands nations och Värmlands nations gästvänskapsförbund 125 år, Nyland XI, Helsingfors, 2000, ISBN 952-91-3105-4
  • Eva Ahl (red.), Bränn, & Maria Vainio, 1904, Nyland XIII (Helsingfors, 2004) ISBN 952-99405-0-5
  • Michaela Bränn & Maria Vainio-Kurtakko, Galleria Nylandensis. Nylands nations samlingar, Nyland XIV, Helsingfors, 2008 ISBN 978-952-99405-1-6
  • Joakim Hansson (red.) & Lars-Folke Landgrén, "Stark ström med egna vågor går genom hafvet. Nylands nations historia 1643–1993, Nyland X, Helsingfors, 1993, ISBN 952-90-4928-5
  • Arne Jörgensen, Nyländska avdelningens matrikel 1640–1868, Nyland VII, Helsingfors, 1911, Libris 2114291
  • Folke Landgrén, Nyländska avdelningens matrikel 1869–1900, Nyland IX, Helsingfors, 1932, Libris 10150675
  • Maria Vainio (red.), Nylands nationshus 1901–2001, Nyland XII, Helsingfors, 2001

60°09′56″N 24°56′52″E / 60.16556°N 24.94778°E / 60.16556; 24.94778