Azərbaycan Respublikası Təhsil Nazirliyi

Azərbaycan Dillər Universiteti

Fərdi iş

Faculty: Təhsil 1
Specialty: English language teaching
Subject: Country studies
Academic supervisor: Tofiq Guliyev
Group: 301B
Student: Ayshan Shamshiyeva
Topic: Cultural life of Iceland
 Iceland is an island nation located in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean. It
consists of the island of Iceland and several small islands around it, the area is
123 thousand sq. km. Iceland has a water border with Greenland to the north,
Sweden and Norway to the east, and Great Britain to the south. The island on
which Iceland is located is of volcanic origin. Volcanic eruptions occur daily on
the island. The closest land area to Iceland is Greenland under Denmark, the
distance between them is 350 km. The distance with other countries is 1050 km
with Norway and 800 km with Scotland.

Flag of Iceland Coat of arms of Iceland

The capital of Iceland is the city of Reykjavik. With a population of 120,000,
the city is considered the largest city in Iceland. Icelanders make up 98% of
Iceland’s population. They speak the Icelandic language, which has not
undergone significant changes for 10 centuries. The country’s coastal waters do
not freeze year-round, with certain exceptions. However, the weather in Iceland
is cloudy, and this is due to the air currents that come into the country from the
north and south. The anthem is Lofsöngur. The form of government is Republic.
The president is Halla Tómasdóttir. The Prime Minister is Bjarni Benediktsson.
Its currency is the Icelandic krona.

Halla Tómasdóttir Bjarni Benediktsson

The cultural life of Iceland shows a unique richness and diversity. Nature,
historical traditions, modern creativity, and isolated geographical location
greatly influenced the country’s culture.
1. Literature and poetry
Iceland has a rich literary tradition and is known for its ancient forms of poetry
called the Edda. Ancient epics and sagas of the Middle Ages, especially the
Icelandic Sagas, occupy an important place in world literature today. These
works depict the life of the ancient Vikings and Norse mythology and are still

taught in Icelandic schools. In modern times, Icelandic writers, including names

such as Nobel laureate Halldor Laxness and the widely read author Sjon,
represent the country’s literary tradition on a global scale.
Halldor Laxness Sjon
2. Music
The musical life of Iceland is very rich and varied. Today, famous musicians
and bands like Björk and Sigur Rós are among the country’s best-known cultural
ambassadors. And traditional music is full of folk music and heroic epics. These
musical forms have left a deep mark on the national identity of the country.
Airwaves Music Festival, also held annually in Iceland, is an international event
that attracts music lovers and features both local and foreign musicians.
3. Painting and Art
Iceland also has a unique style in the field of painting. The country’s artists are
inspired by natural landscapes, volcanic mountains and oceans. The harsh and
mystical nature of the country is often reflected in the works of Icelandic artists.
For example, one of the most famous painters, Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, is
known for depicting the country’s volcanic landscapes. Along with painting,
modern genres such as video art and performance art are also developing in the
field of modern art.

Björk Sigur Rós Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval

 4. Film and Theater
The film industry in Iceland has grown tremendously in recent years. The
unusual nature of the country has become an attractive location for many
international films. For example, the scenes of famous films such as Interstellar,
Game of Thrones and Prometheus are in Iceland. At the same time, local
directors are also creating successful projects and their films are winning awards
at international festivals.
Theater has deep roots in Icelandic culture. Theater productions in Iceland are
based on both traditional works and modern works, and the National Theater of
Iceland in Reykjavík is the country’s theater center.
5. Traditional Holidays and Ceremonies
Holidays in Iceland combine ancient traditions with modern customs and reflect
the country’s rich cultural heritage. The most important Icelandic holidays:
1. Þorrablót (Feast of Thorri)
Þorrablót is one of Iceland’s oldest traditions and takes place between January
and February. This holiday is mainly dedicated to Iceland’s harsh winter season
and the Viking way of life. During this time, Icelanders prepare a rich feast of
traditional dishes, including fermented shark (hákarl), dried fish, and grilled
lamb. Þorrablót is celebrated with family and friends and is usually accompanied
by a toast to the ancient Vikings.
2. Jól (Christmas Party)
Christmas in Iceland is very popular and is celebrated with an ancient tradition
of 13 different Yule “gnomes” (lit. Jólasveinar). Each of these gnomes has a
different character, and every day starting on December 12, a gnome brings
small gifts or sweets to the children. On Christmas Eve, families gather together,
traditional food is eaten, and people decorate Christmas trees.
3. Bondadagur and Bóndadagur (Men’s and Women’s Day)
Iceland also has days specifically for men and women. Bóndadagur (Men’s
Day) is celebrated on the third Thursday of January, and Konudagur (Women’s
Day) on the third Thursday of February. On these days, people give their
spouses special gifts and prepare special meals. These traditions are reflected
both in the ancient Scandinavian calendar and in modern times have become a
custom that strengthens family ties.
 4. Jónsmessa (Saint John’s Day)
June 24 is celebrated as Jónsmessa, a popular holiday among Scandinavian
peoples. Special events are held in Iceland on this festive night and people
believe that this night is magical. There is a tradition of going out at midnight to
connect with nature and use flowers and plants.
6. Language and Science
The Icelandic language is a direct descendant of the Old Norse language, and
the preservation of this language is of great importance to Icelanders. Language
is very important in Iceland’s culture, as preserving the language is a means of
preserving the country’s culture and identity. At the same time, great importance
is attached to scientific research in Iceland, especially in the fields of geology
and ecology. The country’s natural conditions and active volcanoes are
important as a research area for scientists.

7. Kitchen
Icelandic cuisine is based on historical traditions and natural resources. Fish,
lamb and dairy products form the basis of traditional Icelandic cuisine. One of
the popular dishes is fermented shark meat called hakarl. Also popular in Iceland
is skyr, a yogurt-like product, and grilled lamb.
8. Ecological and Environmental Culture
Icelanders pay special attention to environmental protection. The country
supplies its energy almost entirely from renewable sources, making extensive
use of underground thermal energy resources. Icelanders, who value natural
beauty, also attach great importance to ecotourism, and nature conservation has
become their way of life.

9. Design and Fashion

Clothing design and fashion in Iceland is one of the areas that has developed
greatly in recent years. Icelandic designers combine both traditional and modern
styles in their work. It is especially famous for its woolen products, which are
suitable for Iceland’s cold climate. Iceland’s national costumes, especially
woolen sweaters called lopapeysa with star motifs and special touches, are very
popular around the world.

Lopapeysa
Iceland’s cultural life is a rich area closely related to its natural beauty and
geographical setting. From literature, music, art, theater and traditional holidays
to environmental culture, Icelanders preserve their uniqueness and history. This
rich culture is both a unifying force for the local population and an attraction for
foreign tourists.