***Editie online: Anul nr. III

februarie 14, 2025

Journalist FPAD Tülay Çetinkaya Saraçoğlu-Journey to the Sami lands, Lapland

Main sources: https://haber.dk/sami-topraklarina-laponyaya-yolculuk/36823?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2BOC5X1VVJcKs1A5m0pv3

One day, I was busy with another task at home while the TV was on. A program about the Sami people was broadcast on the screen. As I watched them speak their own language and their culinary culture, for some unknown reason, these images felt familiar and very warm to me. An excitement rose inside me. At that moment, I thought to myself, “One day, I should go to the lands where these people live, breathe the same air with them, and share the same table with them.”

This idea got to me so deeply that I finally decided to make my dream a reality. In April 2022, I set out on a journey to the Sami lands. I wrote down what I saw, learned and felt there to share with you.

This article describes this unique culture and my journey with it.

The Sami of Lapland are an indigenous people living in Northern Europe, in Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. The Sami are a culturally and linguistically unique group who have historically developed sustainable lifestyles in the region. Traditionally engaged in activities such as reindeer herding, fishing and hunting, the Sami continue these traditions in modern times.

History and origin

The origins of the Sami date back to 10,000 BC. Throughout history, the Sami have managed to survive in the harsh climatic conditions of the region by preserving their own culture and language. The Sami language belongs to the Uralic language family and has many different dialects. These dialects parallel the geographical regions where the Sami live.

Cultural characteristics

Sami culture reflects a lifestyle that is intertwined with nature. Reindeer herding plays a central role in the Sami’s economic and social life. Traditional Sami clothing is designed specifically for cold climates and is colorful and eye-catching. In addition, Sami folk music and traditional songs called yoik form an important part of their cultural identity.

Economic life

Reindeer herding is a vital economic activity for the Sami. It is not only a source of income but also a cultural symbol. Despite modern economic challenges, the Sami are trying to create a sustainable economy by preserving their traditional ways. Fishing and tourism are also important in the Sami economy.

Social and political situation

The Sami have struggled for rights and recognition in various countries where they live. While all four countries recognize the cultural rights of the Sami, there are problems in practice. Organizations such as the Sami Parliament work to increase the political representation of the Sami and protect their rights.

Environmental and climatic challenges

The harsh climate conditions of Lapland make life difficult for the Sami. Climate change threatens the Sami’s traditional way of life. Rising temperatures are negatively affecting the reindeer herds’ pastures and migration routes. This endangers both the Sami’s economic and cultural sustainability.

Semites in the modern period

Today, Sami people are struggling to preserve their cultural identity while coping with the challenges of modern life. Efforts to make Sami voices heard continue in areas such as education, media and politics. Sami language and culture are being kept alive through various projects and organizations.

The Sami of Lapland have a rich cultural heritage and have survived under difficult conditions throughout history. In the modern world, they struggle to preserve their cultural identity and cope with economic hardships. This struggle of the Sami demonstrates their resilience and adaptability. The Sami’s way of life and culture is an important example not only for themselves but also for the rights and sustainable living practices of indigenous peoples around the world.

Kiruna Ice Hotel

The Ice Hotel in Kiruna, Sweden is an iconic destination known for its unique architecture and ephemeral beauty. Located in Jukkasjärvi, the Ice Hotel is the world’s first and largest hotel made of ice and snow, and has been rebuilt every year since 1989.

Construction and design

Every winter, the Ice Hotel is rebuilt from the frozen waters of the nearby Torne River. Artists from all over the world are invited to design and carve the hotel’s suites, making each room a unique work of art.

Construction usually begins in November, with the hotel gradually opening throughout December. By April, as temperatures rise, the hotel melts away and returns to the river, symbolising the cyclical nature of its existence [oai_citation:1,Stay in the new rendition of the original ice hotel | ICEHOTEL]( https://www.icehotel.com/icehotel-original ) [oai_citation:2,Icehotel (Jukkasjärvi) – Wikipedia]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icehotel_(Jukkasj%C3%A4rvi) ) .

Accommodation options

Ice Hotel offers various accommodation options:

– *Ice Rooms:* Standard rooms with ice décor and ice beds covered with reindeer skins.

– *Art Suites:* Thematic suites designed and carved by international artists, each unique and available for the first time each year.

– *Deluxe Suites:* Luxurious suites offering private bathrooms and warmer sleeping conditions.

For those who prefer a warmer stay, the hotel also offers traditional warm rooms and cottages.

[oai_citation:3,The MAGICAL Ice Hotel In Kiruna Sweden: An In-Depth Review & Guide! (2024)]( https://theflainstravel.com/ice-hotel-kiruna/ ) [oai_citation:4,Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi – Updated 2024 Prices]( https://www.booking.com/hotel/se/icehotel. html ) .

Activities and facilities

Guests at the Ice Hotel can enjoy a variety of activities:

– *Northern Lights Tours:* Guided tours to see the aurora borealis.

– *Ice Carving Lessons:* Workshops where guests can learn to carve their own ice sculptures.

– *Snowmobiling and Dogsledding:* Adventures in the Arctic wilderness.

– *Ice Fishing:* A traditional Swedish experience [oai_citation:5,Icehotel (Jukkasjärvi) – Wikipedia]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icehotel_(Jukkasj%C3%A4rvi) ) [oai_citation:6,The MAGICAL Ice Hotel In Kiruna Sweden: An In-Depth Review & Guide! (2024)]( https://theflainstravel.com/ice-hotel-kiruna/ ).

Food and drinks

The hotel features an Icebar, where drinks are served in glasses made of ice, and a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine prepared with local ingredients. The daily breakfast is praised for its variety and quality. [oai_citation:7,Stay in the new rendition of the original ice hotel | ICEHOTEL]( https://www.icehotel.com/icehotel-original ) [oai_citation:8,Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi – Updated 2024 Prices]( https://www.booking.com/hotel/se/icehotel.html ).

Practical information

The Ice Hotel is open seasonally from December to April.

operates, but one section, Icehotel 365, is open year-round thanks to solar-powered cooling technology. Daytime visitors can tour the hotel’s ice creations, and admission tickets are available at the hotel. [oai_citation:9,Stay in the new rendition of the original ice hotel | ICEHOTEL]( https://www.icehotel.com/icehotel-original ) [oai_citation:10,The MAGICAL Ice Hotel In Kiruna Sweden: An In-Depth Review & Guide! (2024)]( https://theflainstravel.com/ice-hotel-kiruna/ ).

In summary, the Ice Hotel in Kiruna offered a unique and unforgettable experience that celebrated art, nature and Arctic adventure through the beauty and transience of ice.

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