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It inspires, attracts and makes you fall in love with it in many different ways. It influences, evokes associations and gives hope. For a hundred years, it has been seizing its opportunity, opening up new possibilities for us. It was and still remains a symbol, an icon, a model, but that is not enough for it. And it boldly adds: ‘I am the dream!’.
There is a reason you’re reading these words about Gdynia. And, for once, that reason isn’t the sea, the port, or the beach. Nor is it a festival, an exhibition, or a match. Not even a seal or a herring, let alone a wild boar. Though, considering the size of our city and its closeness to nature, that wouldn’t be too surprising. The reason is the city's birthday – a centenary that will not pass unnoticed, just as Gdynia itself did not enter history quietly. The city's jubilee, the community’s celebration, the pride of its people, Poland’s success.
If elementary school books said “G is for Gdynia,” our city would barely register a murmur of surprise. Just another step toward greatness — wonderful, more wonderful… Gdynia!
Known for almost eight centuries, and for the last hundred years actively participating in major historic events. A village that became a summer resort; a resort transformed into a port city; the maritime capital of Poland, its most impressive showcase. Open to the world, yet focused on the country that relied on it so much. Its success stemmed from its location on the Baltic Sea, its strength from the community formed by those who came to build it over the decades, and by those born and raised here. They lived harmoniously, happily, steadily, though not without challenges, hardships and uncertainties, all in line with the spirit of the times. Gdynia took control of them and us, and by changing itself, it created (and continues to create) a new civic community, deeply devoted to its city. One could say: proud, prouder... a resident of Gdynia. And so it has been for generations, for more than a century.
Achieving success in the difficult realities of the Second Polish Republic, reborn after the partitions, was not easy. The new borders of the state and the loss of Gdańsk required the construction of a new Polish port. Its location here in Gdynia proved to be an opportunity of local, regional, and national significance. In practice, it was only here that the contact with the wider world – through exploration and the economic use of the sea, ocean trade, and passenger traffic – became possible. The visionary ideas of the authorities, the aspirations of the government, and the skillfully fostered ambitions of the society contributed to the creation of maritime Poland. Active, visible, but also somewhat overestimated. The chosen direction has shaped Gdynia as well. The city altered the course of the Polish history, becoming a symbol of the modernization of the state and its progress. Gdynia justified the means.
As a symbol, Gdynia suffered a particularly severe blow during World War II. It irretrievably lost part of its population, deliberately murdered by the Germans, while more than half of the remaining inhabitants were displaced. The city was renamed Gotenhafen (“Port of the Goths”) and transformed into a German naval base. After this painful chapter, the pre-war inhabitants returned and, with the characteristic sense of entrepreneurship and organisation, began the reconstruction of the port and the city. This was followed by a period of dependence on state authorities, which were unfavourable to Gdynia and themselves limited by the will of the Soviet Union. The “gateway to the world” was half closed... Despite all this, for decades to come Gdynia remained true to itself – a colourful individualist. It was undaunted and unbroken, drawing strength from the community, connecting pre- and post-war generations. It showed how to live with one’s head held high, and how to fight, at times paying the ultimate price, as in December 1970. Those events have become part of the collective memory, contributing to the Gdynia’s unique identity.
Once referred to as “our gateway,” “the pride of Poland,” “our New York,” and “our California” – and those were only some of the names used to describe Gdynia over the years. At the same time, it was intertwined with places known as the “Chinese District,” “Beijing,” and “Mexico” – the makeshift settlements of the poorest. From a city under construction, full of striking contrasts, it has grown into a truly metropolitan place – a city through and through. Gdynia – genuine and one of a kind. A city whose citizens unanimously agree that they are happy here and that their city is the best place to live. Could there be a better advertisement for one’s place on earth than the love of its inhabitants...?
Dear Gdynia! May your birthday — this special celebration — be an occasion not only for shared joy, heartfelt gratitude, and well-deserved honours, but also for reflection.
Reflection on the history of the place you have embraced with your districts. On the strength of the community that bravely built its city here and forever bound its fate with it. And you, in turn, keep growing and transforming, resonating and creating, and while remembering your extraordinary past, continue, as always, to look toward the future.
