Have you already noticed how Posankka is carrying us towards Turku’s 800th anniversary in 2029?

For instance, when arriving from Helsinki, you might notice a roadside billboard by Skanssi featuring Turku’s official city animal. Posankka has established itself as the symbolic animal of Turku, and therefore, it rightfully plays a role in the city’s 800th anniversary. 

Turku, the first city in Finland, will turn 800 in four years’ time. Turku’s origins as a city are rooted in a decree from Pope Gregory IX, dated January 1229, that mandated the bishop’s seat to be moved from Nousiainen to Koroinen.  

Our history fills us with pride, and it will play a significant role in the anniversary celebrations and the city’s narrative. Turku has been home to a vibrant and continuously modern urban culture since 1229.

Turku’s story is a story of sustainability

The world is changing at an unprecedented and unpredictable pace, but Turku remains stable and robust – and constantly renews itself. History shows that our city has always progressed, despite setbacks. After facing multiple fires that caused its destruction, the city has forged ahead, reconstructing itself repeatedly and emerging stronger each time.

To ensure that our city continues to offer opportunities for a good life, entrepreneurship, innovation, experiences, and encounters in the future, maintaining continuity is essential. 

The story of Turku, both leading up to the anniversary year and beyond, is a story of sustainability. Turku is building the future with sustainability at the forefront – not just for us today, but also for future generations. 

Two children are lying on their stomachs on the floor, leaning on their arms. One of them is whispering something in the other's ear. (Picture: Jenni Virta)

Anyone can use the Turku 800 logo  

A symbol has been created for the anniversary year, combining the number 800 with the infinity symbol (∞) and the words Now, forever, Turku.  
 
These three words summarise the story of Turku’s continuity and sustainability, from its history to the present, and into the future. The words evoke a profound sense of strengthening connections within the community, something we hope everyone can feel in their hearts.  
 
Everyone can freely use the anniversary year logo. For example, it is already visible as an illuminated advertisement on the roof of the Walo Rooftop Bar. MBakery, in turn, has created a sugar-glazed doughnut, known as “piispanmunkki” in the Turku dialect, with the infinity symbol on top. The logo has even been turned into a tattoo! 
 
Turku’s story and visual identity have been created in cooperation with the Turku-based advertising agency Nitro. The entire package has been developed in cooperation with a wide range of stakeholders in the city.   

Inside the large, white infinity sign is a pink Posankka artwork. Next to the Posankka, on the left, is the text "Don't look back, we're not going there." in Finnish. Below the text is the City of Turku's coat of arms logo and the logo of the 800th anniversary of Turku. (Picture: City of Turku)

Building the anniversary year together  

Preparations for the anniversary year began at the start of 2025, with a planning event organised together with hundreds of Turku residents at Art House Turku. 

During the spring, a series of meetings and workshops will be organised with representatives of various fields. The Turku 800 concept will be summarised based on the ideas gathered, including the objectives and thematic content for the anniversary year. 

As early as next autumn, we will begin to shape the anniversary year programme from projects and various anniversary activities.   
 
Learn more about the preparations for the anniversary year: turku.fi/800

TEXT: SAARA MALILA 

The article has been published in Finnish in Turkuposti 1, 2025.