History of Kulusuk

Foundation and First Mentions

The settlement of Kulusuk, also known as Kap Dan, is located on the island of the same name off the southeastern coast of Greenland. Initially, this territory served as a seasonal habitat for the Tunumiit Inuit, whose ancestors had inhabited the region for centuries. As a permanent settlement in the modern sense, the village began to form in the first half of the 20th century, when nomadic hunting families began transitioning to a sedentary lifestyle.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small hunting camp into an important regional centre was driven by several factors:

• Geographic Isolation: The island is surrounded by drifting ice and icebergs, which limited contact with the outside world for a long time but fostered cohesion within the local community.
• Infrastructural Breakthrough: A turning point in the history of Kulusuk was the construction of the American DYE-4 radar station in the late 1950s. To service it, an airport was built, which effectively opened East Greenland to the world and became the main economic driver for the town.
• Logistics: Thanks to the construction of the runway, the village became the region's main air gateway, connecting it with Iceland and the western coast of the island.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The lifestyle of the first settlers was formed under conditions of a harsh Arctic climate and complete autonomy:

• Traditional Trades: The economic foundation was marine hunting for seals, walruses, and whales, as well as polar bear hunting. These skills were vital for the community's survival.
• Unique Heritage: Due to late contact with Europeans (East Greenland was "discovered" significantly later than the West), ancient traditions have been better preserved here, including unique drum dances.
• Craftsmanship: Locals were renowned for the art of carving tupilaks—figures made of bone or stone, which initially held ritual significance and later became an important object of cultural exchange.

Key Historical Milestones

• Before 1884 — The island serves as a traditional seasonal hunting and fishing ground for the indigenous people of the Ammassalik region.
• 1884 — Gustav Holm's expedition reaches these shores, marking the first documented contact between local Inuit and Europeans.
• Early 20th Century — Nomadic hunting families gradually begin to transition to a sedentary lifestyle, forming the permanent settlement of Kulusuk.
• 1956 — Construction begins on the American DYE-4 radar station, which became part of the early warning system.
• 1958 — The runway is put into operation, ensuring regular air traffic with the outside world.
• 1960s — Active development of village infrastructure due to the presence of the military base and the creation of new jobs for the local population.
• 1991 — The radar station closes due to changing geopolitical circumstances, and the military leaves the island.
• 1990s — The airport is repurposed for civil needs, becoming the main international gateway of East Greenland.
• 1999 — The opening of Hotel Kulusuk marks the beginning of the development of organised tourism in the region.
• Present Time — The village develops as a centre for traditional crafts and a popular starting point for polar expeditions.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of the settlement is a journey from an isolated hunter's camp to an important international transport hub. The key events that defined the economic and cultural appearance of Kulusuk can be divided into several significant stages:

• Transition to Sedentary Life (Early 20th Century)
  Significance: The transformation of seasonal hunting camps into a permanent settlement. This event laid the foundations of the village's social structure, allowing residents to build long-term dwellings and accumulate resources without depending solely on animal migration.
• Construction of Station DYE-4 (1956–1958)
  Significance: An industrial breakthrough and integration into global processes. The appearance of the American radar station brought new technologies, goods, and the concept of wage labour to the patriarchal way of life, radically changing the local economy.
• Opening of the Airport (1958)
  Significance: A geostrategic shift. The construction of the runway turned the small island into the main air gateway of East Greenland. The airport became a vital artery ensuring supply and communication between the region and the outside world.
• Military Departure and Conversion (1991)
  Significance: Economic reorientation. The closure of the military base presented the community with the task of adapting the infrastructure for civilian needs. The airport came under the management of local authorities, which strengthened the region's autonomy.
• Birth of the Hospitality Industry (1999)
  Significance: Diversification of income. The opening of Hotel Kulusuk marked the beginning of the era of organised tourism. This gave impetus to the preservation and commercialisation of folk crafts (bone carving, drum dances) as a tourism product.
• Establishment as a Logistics Hub (Modern Stage)
  Significance: Strengthening of the regional role. Today, the village functions as a key transfer hub for tourists and cargo heading to Tasiilaq and other areas, ensuring stable employment for the population in the service and transport sectors.

Urban Planning Features and Adaptation to the Landscape

Unlike classical European cities with their clear grid systems, the layout of the settlement of Kulusuk is dictated by the harsh Arctic climate and complex rocky terrain. Houses here are literally "scattered" across granite ledges, following the natural curves of the landscape. Such seemingly chaotic development has practical meaning: buildings are oriented to minimise the impact of icy winds and maximise the use of scarce sunlight. The absence of fences and visible boundaries between plots emphasises the openness of the space and the traditional communal way of life.

Architectural Styles and Eras

In the appearance of the village, one will not find traces of Gothic, Baroque, or Classicism. The architectural chronicle of this place can be divided into three specific stages, reflecting the transition from survival to modern comfort:

• Era of Traditional Dwellings (Until the mid-20th century): Historically, locals built semi-dugouts from turf and stone, which retained heat perfectly. Today, this "organic architecture" remains in the past, having given way to modern materials.
• Danish Functionalism and Standardisation (1960–1980s): The basis of the development consists of standard wooden houses (typehuse), mass-erected during the modernisation period of Greenland. This style is characterised by gable roofs, pile foundations (to protect against permafrost melting), and, most importantly, a bright colour palette. Red, blue, yellow, and green facades create a necessary visual contrast with the monochrome landscape of snow and rocks.
• Utilitarian Industrial (Since the 1950s): The construction of the airport and military infrastructure brought elements of industrial design to the architectural landscape: hangars and technical structures made of metal and concrete, devoid of decoration but maximally reliable.

Landmark Structures

Despite the small size of the settlement, several buildings form its recognisable silhouette:

• Church of Kulusuk: A small wooden building constructed in the early 20th century. Its concise architecture with simple geometry and modest decor is a classic example of Lutheran architecture in remote parishes. Inside the church, the decor is of particular interest, combining Christian symbols with local motifs.
• Airport Building: The largest object on the island, serving not only as a transport hub but also as a community centre. Its architecture is strictly functional, yet it is this building that connects the village with the wider world.
• Hotel Kulusuk: An example of modern tourist architecture in the Arctic. This low-rise, single-story structure is designed to withstand extreme weather loads while remaining a cosy refuge for travellers.

Distinguished Figures of Kulusuk

Despite its modest size, the settlement of Kulusuk has given the world a whole galaxy of talented guardians of Inuit culture. Local residents, from masters of traditional dance to polar guides, play a key role in preserving the heritage of East Greenland.

• Anna Kuitse Thastum (1942–2012)
  Legendary drum dance performer
  The most famous native of the village, who dedicated her life to reviving the ancient art of the Inuit. Anna toured the world, from the USA to Italy, and taught traditional dances to local children. In 2008, she was awarded the prestigious Greenlandic Culture Prize for her contribution to preserving national heritage.
• Anda Kuitse
  Dancer, storyteller, and guardian of traditions
  Son of Vilhelm Kuitse and one of the most respected elders of the community. Anda continues the family dynasty of drum dancers and is considered one of the last bearers of the region's shamanic traditions. His performances for tourists are not just a show, but an authentic ritual connecting the past and the present.
• Vilhelm Kuitse
  Master of traditional crafts
  Founder of a famous dynasty of artists and hunters. Vilhelm was known as a skilled carver and expert in folklore who passed his knowledge on to subsequent generations. It is thanks to his family that Kulusuk is considered a centre for the preservation of Tunumiit culture today.
• Justine Boassen
  Founder of a private museum and curator
  Owner of a unique family museum in the centre of the village. Justine has gathered a rich collection of artefacts belonging to her parents and ancestors: from hunting equipment to household items. Her work allows guests of the island to gain a deeper understanding of the history of the indigenous population of East Greenland.
• Georg Utuaq
  Polar guide and logistics expert
  Known in professional circles as "The Boss", Georg is an indispensable figure for organising expeditions in this harsh region. An experienced musher (dog sled driver) and hunter, he ensures the safety of travellers and researchers, helping them navigate complex ice conditions.
• Gustav Holm (1849–1940)
  Danish explorer and naval officer
  Although Holm was not born here, his name is inextricably linked to the history of the region. In 1884, his expedition on umiaks (women's boats) reached the Ammassalik area for the first time, opening these lands to the outside world and documenting the daily life of local residents, which became the starting point for the modern history of the settlement.