Literary Award to Arvo Survo and Esa-Jussi Salminen

Category of fiction

In the category of fiction published in kindred languages of the Kindred Peoples’ Programme’s Literary Award, the prize was awarded to the Ingrian-Finnish writer Arvo Survo for his series of mini-epics. 

Survo’s work explores the mythology, historical experience and cultural identity of the peoples of Ingria. In the epic poem Pääskölintu-Päivölintu (The Swallow – The Day Bird, 2020), he focuses on the Finnic creation myth. Iku-Ruotus (2023) describes the historical ordeals of the peoples of Ingria, including the raids and persecutions they have had to endure. Korvekkos (2024) offers an in-depth look at the daily life and mental landscape of the Ingrian peoples.

‘Arvo Survo’s epics are based on his extensive knowledge of folklore, religion, ethnography, linguistic and kindred relatedness, Finno-Ugric worldview and old Finnic runo songs, about which he knows both the details and sees interesting connections,’ said folklorist Madis Arukask, who has studied also the epics of other kindred peoples. ‘His works are characterised by a distinctive poetic style and a religious dimension, linked both to his personal religious vocation and to the role of Lutheranism in the identity and traditions of Ingrian Finns, who lived in an Orthodox cultural space.’

The literary epic in the native language plays an important role in defining a nation and building its identity. ‘Arvo Survo’s series of epic poems certainly contributes to the self-awareness of the peoples of Ingria and is a strong foundation for the development of their literature,’ said Eva Toulouze, chair of the prize jury.

Arvo Survo

Arvo Survo was born in 1954 in Marienburg (Gatchina), Ingria. He is a clergyman, missionary, writer, musician, collector and mediator of folklore and promoter of the Finno-Ugric movement. For this reason, his inspiring work has been compared to that of Jakob Hurt in Estonian cultural history. In 2017, Arvo Survo was awarded the Order of Merit of the Cross of the Republic of Estonia, 5th class.

Category of translation

In the category for the promotion and dissemination of literature of kindred peoples without their own statehood, the prize was awarded to Esa-Jussi Salminen for his anthology of Udmurt short stories Murskautuneet tähdet (Crushed Stars, 2020). Salminen’s 434-page collection of short stories gives Finnish readers a rare opportunity to get acquainted with Udmurt literature. The book brings together short stories by 37 Udmurt authors from 1906 to 2017. Other authors include Kuzebai Gerd, Konstantin Yakovlev, who fell victim to the Stalinist repression, as well as Grigory Danilov, Roman Valishin, Yelena Minnigarayeva and Mariya Vekshina.

The collection is characterised by realistic and sometimes harsh descriptions of the challenges of everyday life. A number of stories focus on the connection between nature and people, highlighting the profound impact of the natural environment on cultural values and identity. Reference is also made to the history of the Udmurt people, to the repressions and conflicts they have experienced, which have shaped their collective memory and identity. It addresses family relations, poverty, alcoholism and other problems often faced by small peoples, especially those living in the countryside. Many authors address issues of national identity and the need to preserve the Udmurt language and culture.

‘Salminen’s excellent translation and editing work demonstrates his impressive skill set – on the one hand, an excellent command of the Udmurt language and cultural sensitivity, and on the other, a rich and nuanced Finnish language,’ said Indrek Koff, a member of the jury of the award. ‘Compiling such anthologies is very important for introducing kindred literature and promoting intercultural dialogue.’

Esa-Jussi Salminen

Esa-Jussi Salminen (1972) is a translator and researcher of Uralic languages and cultures. He has mediated Udmurt epic and Mari literature for Finnish-speaking readers. In addition to his translation work, he has published works reflecting his personal experiences and research in Udmurtia and Mari El, such as Sankarimatkailijan opas Marinmaahan ja Udmurtiaan (An Adventurer’s Guide to Mari El and Udmurtia, 2023). This work also deals with the cultural identity and historical challenges of these regions.

Literary Award

The Kindred Peopless Programme of the Ministry of Education and Research, in cooperation with the Association of Finno-Ugric Literatures, has been awarding the Literature Award since 2007. The aim of the award is to recognise authors and translators of Uralic-language literary works in their own language and to highlight the importance of kindred literature. Traditionally, the winners are announced on 1 November. The day commemorates the Udmurt writer and social activist Kuzebai Gerd (1898-1937). This year’s jury included Eva Toulouze, Indrek Koff, Nikolai Kuznetsov and Aado Lintrop. The prize fund is €2500.