This project highlights the importance of Peter the Great` epoch in 18th century as well as the history of the Caroleans in Siberia. Swedish army exiled officers, who left considerable impact on Tobolsk`s cultural and economic development.
2021 marks the 300-year anniversary of the Treaty of Nystad, which ended the Great Northern War between Sweden and Russia.
Subsequently Russia established itself as an Empire.
There was no other province in 18th century, which could compare its` land areas with Siberian governorate with Tobolsk as the capital of Siberia. Lands of Siberia stretched 1000 km from Ural Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, from Kazakh steppes to the Arctic Oceаn.
Siberia was explored at the end of 16th century, but has been considered as “terra incognita” for the next several years not only for Europe but even for Moscow.
The First Tsar who belonged to the reigning dynasty of Romanov, visited Siberia in 1837. Some travelers, whose ways have happened to lead them here from Europe to Asia, West and East, described Siberia as unique land which cannot be compared with any other place in the world.
More than a thousand highly educated European army officers end up in the ancient capital Tobolsk in 1710. These army officers were named «Caroleans» and belonged to the army of Charles XII, the King of Sweden.
The Swedish officers, who settled in Russia after the end of The Battle of Poltava stayed in Siberia for more than ten years until both sides signed a peace treaty. More than third of the «Сaroleans» preferred to remain in Siberia, as it had become their second homeland.
After three centuries it is not so easy to estimate the real value of these historical events. Even today the citizens of Tobolsk recognize the heritage that Swedes left them.
Due to the fact that Caroleans were known as skilled engineers and architects, they were involved in the establishment of the Tobolsk Kremlin, they also built the road from downtown to the upper town and fixed the system of river channels, which solved the flooding problem in Tobolsk.
Caroleans organized the first Puppet Theater and wind orchestra in Tobolsk.
Records, which fortunately have been saved in thoughts-diaries and treatises of Swedish officers have helped us to get more details about the history of indigenous Siberian communities.
Johann Bernard Muller, a dragoon captain of the Swedish army, published his book «The Life and Culture of Ostyaks» in 1720 in Berlin, about the missionary expedition with Philotheus Leschinskyi, a metropolitan of Tobolsk Dioces.
There were many gifted artists, jewelers, shoemakers, musicians, tailors, chemists, doctors, teachers and tutors amongst Caroleans.
Laurs, who was a Swedish pastor, contrived the City Clock in Tobolsk.
Jakob Shulz, a regiment healer, was so talented that a lot of patients from Tyumen and other Siberian cities tried to visit him in Tobolsk.
The head of Caroleans` community, Curt Friedrich von Wreech, opened the Tobolsk Lutheran School for Russian and foreigners students (including children and adults).
Matvey Gagarin, a governor of Тobolsk, despite his senior position sympathized with the Caroleans and tried to make their life in this foreign land easier. The Caroleans were involved in commerce and allowed to ply a trade, set up shops and draw rations in monetary and grain value, get married with local women and practice Lutheran religion.
This program is celebrating the 300 – year anniversary of the peace treaty between Sweden and Russia. It is aimed to honor the memory of people with brave hearts, who happened to spend their life in Siberia out of choice. Officers who changed the world around them at the bidding of the heart and fate.
One of the main reasons for creating this project is the ordinary life of one of Swedish officers. Who was able to stay faithful and continue carrying the love for his homeland through ths whole life, despite captivity and the ups and downs of his life.
The program covers the 400-year history of Siberia, including the epoch of discoverers.
You will enjoy traveling with us!
The first stop is the historical center of Tyumen city. Where we can admire the views from romantic and airy Lovers Bridge, and take a walk in the only four-level embankment promenade in Russia. Following stop is the architectural ensemble of Holy Trinity Monastery. It was built in the beginning of 18th century and became a witnesses when one thousand Swedish officers came to Siberia, after The Battle of Poltava in 1709.
The next stop is the side of Tyumen`s origin. 300 Cossacks the leadership of Ermak built a wooden fortress a stockade town at the end of 16th century. An Artistic Map of Tyumen made of black Granit is located at the historical city center.
- Transportation as per the program
- Meals: 4 breakfast, 3 lunches. Dinners are at extra costs.
- 3-night accommodation, based on Standard room type, DBL (including Tyumen and Tobolsk)
- Bus Excursion as per the program
- Excursions and entry tickets to the museums as per the program.
- Guide assistance