Kontula evokes strong emotions: many locals feel great pride in their community. At the same time, those less familiar with the area often approach it with caution. Kontula is one of the largest suburbs in the Helsinki metropolitan area, known mainly for its large concrete apartment blocks, extensive courtyards, and bustling shopping centre.

For Hassan Maikal, Kontula represents home and safety. He moved to the area from Tampere with his mother and younger sister in the early 2000s, and the entire family fell in love with it.

"Kontula is my world. Here, I was able to grow up and be myself. I got opportunities in music, and I was encouraged to keep going," Hassan explains.

Hassan's career took off thanks to the youth centres in Kontula and Kivikko. Hassan has even written an entire album about Kontula: Betonitarha was released in 2021, and in the title track, Hassan writes about his childhood in the courtyards of Kontula: 

Olin 6 vee, serkkujen kanssa 
omenapuu keskel betonitarhaa 
kirkonrottaa leikitty sen alla 
naapuri huutaa et ei tääl kuule omii ajatuksiaan 

When Hassan was a child, his cousins indeed lived right next door to the Maikal family. It was a big help for a single mother that Hassan could go to his aunt's place after school. The best memories of Kontula are connected to playing in the courtyards with his cousins and friends.

In Hassan's view, Kontula is anything but bland. He values that Kontula is home to various people: pensioners, students, and families with children. Everyone is welcome, and this diversity is the soul of Kontula.

"When I went to school in Kontula, it didn't matter what your skin colour was or where your family came from. I am who I am because I grew up in such a diverse place," Hassan says.

Let's go and explore Hassan's favourite spots in Kontula.

"I've always been into ball games, whether it's football, basketball, squash, or padel. A year or two ago, my friends and I started playing tennis. The tennis courts in Helsinki city centre are almost always full, but there's space in Kontula."

"I performed one of my first gigs on the stage at this youth centre, and my mum was nervously watching from the audience. My music career started at the youth centres in Kontula and Kivikko, and through them, I also ended up in the youth council and amateur theatre."

"I'm really into hiking and spending time in the forest. I've also tried camping, and soon, I'm heading to Lapland with a friend for a hike. When I was younger, I used to walk here in Kivikko Forest with my mum and ski during PE lessons. Skiing wasn't really my thing, but it may be one day.

"These courtyards are synonymous with Kontula for me. Here, I played and grew up with my cousins and friends. A beloved concrete garden where I've always felt peaceful and safe. I've also written many songs in Kontula because so many things inspire me here."

"There's no Kontula without its famous shopping centre. The restaurants and cafés make this an exceptional place, and many people come to Kontula from afar just for them. I love it when I see pensioners sitting on the terrace of Randa Café eating buns and hearing people around me speaking many different languages. Anyone can belong here, no matter where you're from."