Tartu (German Dorpat), city in eastern Estonia, on the Emajõgi River. Tartu is an important industrial and cultural center. Manufactures include footwear, agricultural machinery, printed materials, and lumber. Tartu has a university, originally established in 1632 by Gustav II Adolph of Sweden, closed in 1656, and reopened in 1802. The city, founded in 1030, was captured by the Teutonic Knights in 1224, and under their rule developed into a commercial center, joining the Hanseatic League in the 14th century. After 1558 the city was held at different times by Russia, Poland, and Sweden. In 1704 it was captured by Peter the Great of Russia. During World War II Tartu was occupied by German forces from 1941 to 1944. Population (1997 estimate) 101,901.
