Estonia - Paradise of the North

Ilus Eesti, beautiful Estonia. My family's homeland. Estonia's countryside and people have an endearing gentleness about them which you fall in love with slowly and imperceptibly. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Estonians' courage and determination to survive despite centuries of repression, tyranny and foreign occupation. This blog aims to promote Estonian news, history and culture and seeks to enlighten readers about everything this unique country has to offer.

Monday, 6 October 2014

The Most Popular Surnames in Each European Country

Estonia: Tamm

A Dozen Questions about Estonia

The Estonian Institute in conjunction with the Baltic Film and Media School at Tallinn University, have created a new website introducing Estonia and Estonians through film clips, quizzes and language tests. The project aims to inspire and educate those interested in Estonia. Check it out!

Click here to learn more:
http://www.xn--12ksimust-s9a.ee/en/

Sunday, 5 October 2014

"Estonia in Canada" Documentary by Emma Soolepp

One of my distant cousins now living in Canada recently produced this short documentary which is currently part of the Estonian Documentary Film Festival in Toronto.

Read more about EstDocs 2014 here:
http://www.estdocs.com/

Emma Soolepp, Linda Soolepp (Lestal) and Kristina Soolepp

Friday, 3 October 2014

Tallinn's Oldest Monument - The Memorial Cross of Blasius Hochgrewe

Still situated in its original location, the Memorial Cross of Blasius Hochgrewe is Tallinn's oldest monument. The cross dates from the late 1500s and commemorates the death of Blasius Hochgrewe, a well known merchant and citizen of Tallinn who was slain at the site while defending his beloved city. During the Livonian War on 11th September 1560, Tallinn's citizens staged an uprising against Ivan the Terrible's marauding troops. Noblemen, merchants, aldermen and commoners fought side by side in an event which would become known as the Battle of Jerusalem Hill. The cross itself is original but the stone platform on which it stands was built in the late 19th century. Since 1964 the monument has been under heritage protection.

The monument is located at Marta Tänav, Tallinn.

2014 Sees an Increase in the Number of Estonians Joining Kaitseliit, The Estonian Defence League

Kaitseliit, the Estonian Defence League was first established in 1918 after Estonia declared its independence. It existed until the beginning of the Soviet occupation in 1940 and was re-established in 1991 when Estonia's independence was restored. With growing concern over Russia's violations of international law, many Estonians have decided to join Kaitseliit in order to protect their country and families. My grandfather was a member of Kaitseliit and if I lived in Estonia, I would probably be a member too.

You can read the full Wall Street Journal article here:
http://online.wsj.com/articles/alarm-over-russia-draws-volunteers-to-defend-estonia-1412266762