ওয়াসীম সোবহানের ভাবনা

Legacy of Carl Linnaeus, rich cultural life, century old history, beautiful landscape are the things found in Uppsala. Until the 13th century, the city was known as Östra Aros. 1,500 years ago, power centre of the land of the Swedes was here. It had a place of worship and also was an important centre for trade and Tingshögen gatherings. Tingshögen gatherings were where general assembly met for creating laws and conducting administration of justice. An impressive cathedral, along with the pink-colored castle, dominates the city skyline. The town is home to the first university of Scandinavia - Uppsala University, which was founded in 1477. Among the University’s alumni there are 15 Nobel Prize laureates, of which 8 received their prizes for discoveries made during their time at Uppsala University.

To many people IKEA is one of the most noteworthy Swedish success stories, to some it the largest furniture retailer of the world and to few, it is a company that sells a Scandinavian lifestyle that customers around the world truly embrace.  From a small town company, IKEA slowly became regional and a global giant. It started by selling pen, watches, wallets and ended up selling each and everything a household requires - furniture, appliance, small motor vehicles, and home accessories. In the process, it created a success story that cannot be replicated.  Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, learnt how to bridge over the difficulties with strong willpower and perseverance from his grandmother. His grandfather committed suicide after failing to pay the mortgage as their family business went on the verge of bankruptcy. That’s when his grandmother had to step in.  The IKEA founder showed good trading skills from the age of seven when he started selling Christmas ...

Near the river of Fyris, stands the landmark of Uppsala - the Uppsala Cathedral. It was the traditional location for the coronation of new kings of Sweden. A group of French architects including Étienne de Bonneuil designed the Uppsala Cathedral. Construction was complete in the year of 1435. The church towers were added later in the 15th century. It is the largest and also the tallest cathedral in the Nordic countries. King Eric IX on the 12th century, King Gustav Vasa and King Johan III of the 16th century and their queens are among the royals buried in Uppsala Cathedral. It was not a regular worship place of common people until the reformation in 1702 and was only reserved for official services of the Catholic Church hierarchy. The Treasury, locally known as Skattkammaren, is situated in the north tower. It is home to one of Europe’s finest collections of medieval church fabrics. The 18th century building to the left of the cathedral's main entrance is now the...

Before Christianity arrived in Sweden, Gamla Uppsala was a place where Swedish Kings held ceremonies. And this area was a place for Royal burial and the great Pagan Temple. The priests sacrificed animals and humans to the Gods according to the prayers and desires of kings and the common people. In the 1070s, it had wooden statues of the Norse gods Odin, Freyr and Thor. There were also a golden chain. In the 12th century, it was turned into Christian Cathedral. The wooden house became a stone building. In the 15th century, kings added vaults and chalk paintings. Among many royals and priests, Archbishop of Uppsala and Eric IX of Sweden were buried here.

I came across the world to the junction of Lake Mälar and Salt Bay, which is an arm of the Baltic Sea, to find a beautiful city known as Stockholm. Swedish ruler Birger Jarl planned the city with his artistic mind in 1252, as if he knew I will come here after 800 years of his demise. At that time, trade and commerce were growing across Europe and many new towns were founded; Stockholm being one. This majestic city of Stockholm came to be officially regarded as the capital of  Sweden in the year of 1436; and after many conflicts with the Danes, was liberated from Danish rule by Gustav I Vasa in 1523. Had I been there, I would have fought to liberate Stockholm sooner. But I am here now. The glory times started for Stockholm in the mid-17th century. The central government departments were built after the city became an independent administrative unit. The old city walls were torn down, and new districts grew up. Literary societies and scientific academies thrived....