Anne Heimo

Vyborgians on the Move

Introduction

Vyborgians on the move. Explore the urban Karelian identity of Vyborg evacuees through an oral history study. Discover how displaced communities maintain their heritage.

Abstract

Terhi Pietiläinen 2025. Monipaikkainen Viipuri. Muistitietotutkimus siirtoväen kaupunkilaisesta karjalaisuudesta. [Multilocal Vyborg – An Oral History Study of the Urban Karelian Identity of the Evacuees]. Kansatieteellinen Arkisto 66. Helsinki: Suomen Muinaismuistoyhdistys [Finnish Antiquarian Society]. 359 pp. ISBN 978-952-84-0765-2 (print). ISBN 978-952-84-0766-9 (PDF). ISSN: 0355-1830.

Review

Terhi Pietiläinen's forthcoming work, *Monipaikkainen Viipuri: Multilocal Vyborg – An Oral History Study of the Urban Karelian Identity of the Evacuees*, signaled by its evocative title "Vyborgians on the Move," promises a deeply resonant exploration of displacement and cultural identity. This substantial volume, slated for publication in 2025 by the esteemed Finnish Antiquarian Society, immediately establishes its focus on the enduring legacy of Vyborg (Viipuri) and the experiences of its former residents. At 359 pages, the book indicates a comprehensive and detailed examination of how a specific urban identity, "urban Karelian identity," has been maintained and transformed among evacuees following their forced migration. The abstract explicitly highlights an "oral history study" as its core methodology, suggesting a rich tapestry of personal narratives and lived experiences will form the backbone of the research. This qualitative approach is particularly well-suited to delving into the complexities of identity formation in the wake of significant geopolitical change. The central concept of "Multilocal Vyborg" is especially compelling, implying an investigation into how a sense of place can transcend physical location, existing and evolving through memory, community, and cultural practice across various dispersed settings. This promises to offer fresh perspectives on how individuals and groups grapple with historical loss while actively constructing new forms of belonging. Overall, this study is poised to be an essential contribution to the fields of ethnography, cultural history, and migration studies, particularly within the Nordic context. By focusing on the specific dynamics of "urban Karelian identity" among evacuees, Pietiläinen's work is likely to illuminate broader themes of collective memory, cultural resilience, and the intricate ways in which heritage is preserved and adapted in the diaspora. Its detailed methodological approach and thematic depth suggest it will provide valuable insights for understanding the long-term impact of forced displacement and the powerful role of oral traditions in shaping contemporary identities.

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