Aarhus Municipality is changing the name of one of the municipality's roads. This is Eskimovej, which will change its name to Silavej from March 2026. The change is taking place at the request of Avalak Aarhus and Det Grønlandske Hus for a more neutral and inclusive road name.
The decision was made by Aarhus Municipality after a public consultation among residents and other affected parties.
The Councillor for Technology and Environment emphasises that the name change reflects the values of the Danish state.
- The Danish state is under unprecedented pressure. Therefore, it is more crucial than ever that we treat each other with respect.
- It has been a great wish from Det Grønlandske Hus and Avalak to change the street name, and we are now fulfilling this with a poetic name that has great significance, says Nicolaj Bang, Councillor for Technology and Environment in Aarhus Municipality.
Why Silavej?
The name Silavej comes from the Greenlandic word Sila, which describes the connection between man and nature – weather, world and mindset. The choice of name comes from a proposal from Avalak Aarhus and Det Grønlandske Hus.
Silavej will be part of the Polar Quarter in Riisvangen, near other streets with references to polar research: Knud Rasmussens Vej, Mylius Erichsens Vej and Jørgen Brønlunds Vej.
Marie AnneliseKahlig, Director of Det Grønlandske Hus, emphasizes that the name promotes a more inclusive urban space with respect and dignity for all.
- A street name is not just practical, it shows what values we as a community want to stand for . The name Silavej contains the meaning of weather, world and mindset and points to something fundamentally human in our connection to each other and to nature.
- With the new name, Aarhus is taking an important step towards a more inclusive urban space, where everyone can feel met with respect and dignity – regardless of background, says Marie Annelise Kahlig, director of Det Grønlandske Hus in Aarhus.
