Monument to Friedebert Tuglas

The monument to Friedebert Tuglas in Tartu is located in Ülejõe Park. It features a bronze bust of the writer mounted on a granite pedestal, with the writer’s autograph present on the pedestal. The monument was created by sculptor Edgar Viies and architect Andres Mänd. The unveiling of the monument was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Tuglas’s birth, which was celebrated in 1986.

Who was Friedebert Tuglas?

Friedebert Tuglas was a renowned Estonian writer, critic, translator, and literary scholar. He was born on February 18, 1886, in the village of Ahja and became famous as one of the founders of the modern literary Estonian language. In 1946, he was awarded the title of People’s Writer of the Estonian SSR. Tuglas died on April 15, 1971, in Tallinn at the Metsakalmistu cemetery.

Friedebert Tuglas was celebrated as a staunch democrat, humanist, and patriot. In 1905, he took an active part in revolutionary events, for which he spent three months in prison at Toompea. Subsequently, he was forced to hide in various European countries for more than ten years, as he faced repression at home.

Upon returning to Estonia, Tuglas became one of the key figures in the local literary life. He composed literary works and wrote scientific papers on literature. With his direct participation, several creative unions and organizations were established. Moreover, the writer founded his own award, which talented novella authors could contend for.

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