Muhu
 | This article includes alist of references,related reading,orexternal links,but its sources remain unclear because it lacksinline citations.(December 2023) |
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Baltic Sea |
| Coordinates | 58°35′46″N23°14′16″E/ 58.59611°N 23.23778°E |
| Archipelago | West Estonian archipelago |
| Area | 198 km2(76 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| Saare County | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1,968 (2010) |
| Pop. density | 8.8/km2(22.8/sq mi) |
| Ethnic groups | MajorityEstonians |
Muhu(also calledMuhumaainEstonian) is an island in theWest Estonian archipelagoof theBaltic Sea.With an area of 198 km2(76 sq mi) it is the third largest island belonging toEstonia,afterSaaremaaandHiiumaa.
Together with neighbouring smaller islands ofKesselaid,Viirelaid,VõilaidandSuurlaidit formsMuhu Parish(Estonian:Muhu vald), the ruralmunicipalitywithinSaare County.The municipality has a population of 1,697 (as of 19 April 2010) and covers an area of 206.12 km2(80 sq mi). The population density is 8.8/km2(23/sq mi).
History and geography[edit]
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The German names for the island are Mohn and Moon. Moon is also the Swedish name for the island.
The most important villages in Muhu areKuivastu,Liiva(where the school can be found) andKoguva.InPädaste,an internationally renowned luxury hotel and spa operates in the restored manor house.
The island is divided from mainland Estonia by the Suur Strait (Moonsund) and fromSaaremaaby the Väike Strait. It is linked by ferry toVirtsuon the mainland, and to Saaremaa by a causeway, theVäinatamm.In winter anice roadconnects the island to the mainland.
In January 1227, an army of theLivonian Brothers of the Swordwith Letts, Germans of Riga and native Livonians (20,000 men commanded byWilliam of Modena) crossed on sea ice from the mainland and attacked the island of Saaremaa to reduce the last holdout of pagan Estonians. The Estonians surrendered on Muhu at a circular stronghold called Mona, the earthworks of which are still preserved near the causeway between the islands. This ended theEstonian Crusade.
TheBattle of Karuseor Battle on the Ice was fought on 16 February 1270 between the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Livonian Order on the frozen Baltic Sea between Muhu and the mainland. The Lithuanians achieved a decisive victory. The battle, named after the village of Karuse, was the fifth-largest defeat of the Livonian or Teutonic Orders in the 13th century.[citation needed]
The same waters saw theBattle of Moon Soundin September–October 1917 between Russian and German naval forces.
Muhu is the home of Estonia's first wine tourism farm – Luscher & Matiesen Muhu Winehouse.
Culture[edit]
Muhu is known for having the only traditionalwindmillsin Estonia that are still operational. Muhu is also known for its traditional knitted stockings.[1][2]
Gallery[edit]
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Northern coast of Muhu -
Muhu Stronghold, site of the native Estonian surrender to crusaders in 1227 -
Monument in the center of the Muhu Stronghold -
Üügu cliffs -
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Tooma farm, part of Muhu museum and birthplace of writerJuhan Smuul -
Students and teachers in traditional clothing march in a procession inLiiva -
Old village school -
InMõegavillage -
Koguva harbour -
Windmill inKoguva -
Flag of Muhu Parish -
Coat of Arms of Muhu Parish
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^"Gallery: World's Largest Muhu Stocking Exhibition on Display at ERM".ERR.9 September 2020.Retrieved23 January2024.
- ^Kenk, Olev (23 January 2024)."Knitters issue call to wear patterned Estonian Mittens on Independence Day".ERR.Retrieved23 January2024.
External links[edit]
Media related toMuhuat Wikimedia Commons- Official website
- Muhu Tourism Association
- Muhu Island in Jetsetter Top10
- Photos about Muhu.
| Rural municipality |  | |
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