On February 19, the Jaan Kross Prize was awarded at the Writers' House in Tallinn, with historian Mart Kuldkepp being the recipient this year. The award recognizes his work on the book titled "Nordic Estonia: The Birth of the Nation-State," set to be published in 2024. Kuldkepp's research focuses on the formative period of Estonian national identity and statehood, contributing significantly to the understanding of Estonia's historical narrative.

The jury, comprised of members Linda Kaljundi, Eneken Laanes, Raili Marling, Sirje Olesk, and chair Tõnis Vilu, praised Kuldkepp's book as a nuanced investigation into themes central to Jaan Kross's literary work, emphasizing the emergence of the Estonian nation and state. They highlighted the book's approach to exploring both local and international contexts, as it articulates Estonia's identity and statehood through its historical relationships with the Nordic countries. This perspective not only enriches the understanding of Estonia's past but also situates it within a broader global framework.

The jury noted that Kuldkepp has quietly become one of the most influential historians in Estonia, with his work resonating not just within academic circles but also among the wider public. His achievement reflects a growing recognition of the importance of historical scholarship in shaping national identity and heritage in Estonia, thereby ensuring that discussions around its history and cultural evolution continue to engage both scholars and citizens alike.