Nylands Nation

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 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]

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.

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

• 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

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