EESTI KOOL BELGIAS

MEMO.

A Youthful Glimpse into Estonian History

This year, participants of the Eesti Kool (Estonian School's) art course illustrated the story of Estonia. Each young artist chose a significant moment from history—drawing inspiration from both tragic and celebratory events that have shaped our nation. These historical moments have been brought to life through old stories, memories, and the imagination of young artists.

The exhibition features the works of all 22 participants—22 unique perspectives on Estonia’s past.

The exhibition was opened as part of the celebrations for the 107th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia at the Estonian Embassy in Belgium. The course instructor and exhibition curator is Tiia Tammemägi.

Take a look into history and step closer to Estonia’s story!

13 000–11 000 BCr

Milde Püssim

Wow, imagine being transported back in time to 13,000–11,000 BCE. The Ice Age was

ending, and massive glaciers were retreating, leaving behind what we now call Estonia's

landscape. Forests, lakes, and bogs started to form—as if nature itself was painting its

masterpiece. And just like that, the story of our land began!

986

Nikolaos Marzelas

Fast forward to the Viking Age, the 8th to 10th centuries. Life for Estonians was deeply

connected to the warriors and traders of the Baltic Sea. This was also the time when Estonia

was mentioned for the first time in historical records—in 968! Fun fact: the famous

Norwegian King Olav Tryggvason was once a prisoner of Estonians as a child! At just three

years old, he and his mother were captured and passed from owner to owner until his uncle

finally bought his freedom. How’s that for a saga-worthy tale?

21.09.1217

Teodor Garcia Sepp

Let’s jump to 1208–1227, during the ancient fight for freedom. This was when the Livonian Order’s crusaders arrived in Estonia, sparking brutal wars. One of the most dramatic moments

was the Battle of St. Matthew’s Day in 1217, where the Estonian leader Lembitu fell. Legend has it that the Sword Brethren took Lembitu’s head as a trophy, and it might still be sitting

forgotten in a museum in Poland today. The battle ended in defeat for the Estonians, with around 1,000 brave warriors falling, according to the Chronicle of Henry of Livonia.

1535

Nora Van Ballaer

In 1535, the first surviving Estonian book was printed in Wittenberg—Wanradt and Koell’s catechism. This Lutheran text, written in Estonian and Low German, is a rare gem. The

Estonian part was only rediscovered in 1929 when a librarian found 11 pages of it being used as filler material in a bookbinding in Tallinn. Amazingly, the book’s last page even recorded

the printer, location, and date—an actual window into the 16th century!

1577

Mariliis Palk

Between 1558 and 1583, the bloody Livonian War forever changed Estonia’s history. One of its darkest moments came in 1577, when Ivan the Terrible’s forces burned down the Pirita

Convent, a once-thriving center of spiritual and cultural life. By the end of the war, Estonia was split among several powers, with North and West Estonia coming under Swedish rule,

bringing new influences and shaping Estonian politics for centuries.

1765

Leena Kopa

In 1765, the humble potato made its way to Estonian farms, changing everything. With its wider use, the centuries-long struggle with famine came to an end. This simple, nutritious

crop quickly became a staple food, paving the way for a more stable and sustainable way of life.

1820

Freya Fassoulas Raba

In 1820, Estonian-born Baltic German explorer Fabian Gottlieb Benjamin von Bellingshausen discovered Antarctica—a huge milestone in world exploration. Alongside explorers like Otto

von Kotzebue and Adam Johann von Krusenstern, Bellingshausen brought Estonia’s name across the oceans. Their bravery and curiosity opened up new lands and inspired generations.

1862

Sandra Uusberg

In 1862, Estonia’s national epic, Kalevipoeg, was published. Compiled by Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald from Estonian folklore, this rhythmic poem emerged during the National

Awakening to give newly emancipated Estonians their own heroic epic. Kalevipoeg has been translated into 14 languages and remains a symbol of national pride.

1869

Elise Gendraud

In 1869, the first Estonian Song Festival was held in Tartu, kicking off the country’s cherished song festival tradition. Johann Voldemar Jannsen organized and led the event,

where only men were allowed to sing! Among the performances were Lydia Koidula’s patriotic songs, including “My Fatherland, My Happiness, and Joy,” set to music by Aleksander Kunileid.

04.06.1884

Saara Bourosain

On June 4, 1884, the blue-black-and-white Estonian flag was blessed at Otepää Church by the Estonian Students’ Society. Blue symbolized the sky, black the past and fertile soil, and white

peace and spiritual aspirations. The first full-sized flag was sewn in Põltsamaa by Paula Hermann, and by 1905, it had become a national symbol of identity.

24.02.1918

Helena Palk

February 24, 1918—Estonia declared independence! The independence manifesto was first read publicly the night before in Pärnu, and on the 24th, Estonia’s Provisional Government,

led by Konstantin Päts, was appointed. This marked the beginning of freedom!

23.06.1919

Ott Kolsar

On June 23, 1919, Estonians celebrated victory in the Battle of Võnnu, ending 700 years of German dominance. Thanks to brave fighters and improvised armored trains, the battle is

commemorated every year as Victory Day.

02.02.1920

David Somelar

On February 2, 1920, the Tartu Peace Treaty was signed, ending the War of Independence and securing Estonia’s sovereignty. This agreement with Soviet Russia gave Estonia international recognition and defined its eastern border.

14.06.1941

Emma Mändmets

June 14, 1941, marked one of Estonia’s darkest days: the first mass deportations to Siberia. Over 10,000 people were sent away, and during Soviet occupation, more than 30,000 Estonians were deported in total. This terror was meant to crush hopes of restoring independence.

1944

Alicia Bernabeu

In March 1944, the Soviets bombed Narva and Tallinn during WWII. Narva’s historic old town was almost entirely destroyed, leaving only three buildings standing. In Tallinn, over 500 civilians were killed, and 20,000 were left homeless. Narva was left in ruins, its skyline forever changed.

1944–1978

Karl Kuresoo

From 1944 to 1978, the Forest Brothers—armed resistance fighters—hid in Estonia’s forests, resisting Soviet rule. Over 15,000 freedom fighters kept alive the dream of independence,

their movement becoming one of the most courageous chapters in Estonia’s history.

1945–1991

Johanna Urb

From 1940 to 1991, Estonia endured occupation under the Soviet Union, except for a brief German occupation during WWII. This era of repression and hardship, known as the "Iron

Curtain", stifled Estonia’s growth and freedom.

24.12.1988

Elis Reitel

On December 24, 1988, after decades of Soviet bans, Christmas was publicly celebrated again in Estonia. Fun fact: the first Christmas tree in Europe is believed to have been set up in

Tallinn’s Town Hall Square in 1441!

23.08.1989

Frida-Lotta Jõõts

On August 23, 1989, the Baltic Way brought 2 million people from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania together in a 675-km-long human chain to demand independence.

This peaceful protest highlighted the secret protocols of the 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact that led to Baltic occupation.

20.08.1991

Stella Maris Must

On August 20, 1991, Estonia restored its independence! As Soviet forces arrived in Tallinn, volunteers defended Toompea and the TV tower. At 11:03 PM, Estonia’s independence was

declared.

Just two days later, Iceland became the first country to officially recognize Estonia.

28.09.1994

Johannes Potisepp

On September 28, 1994, the ferry Estonia tragically sank en route from Tallinn to Stockholm, claiming 852 lives in under an hour. It remains one of the worst maritime disasters in modern

European history.

01.05.2004

Emilia Florea

On March 29, 2004, Estonia joined NATO, with Baltic air patrols starting soon after.

Then, on May 1, 2004, Estonia became a member of the European Union, embracing a new chapter of growth and opportunity.

MEMO.

TOETAJAD