Siim Kallas presents book on the history of the Alver family

Former Estonian politician and European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas presents a book that tells the story of the Alver family through three centuries. The work covers a family whose roots stretch back to the 17th century in Tarvastu parish, and whose descendants include people with many different family names, including the Kallases.

Former Estonian Prime Minister and European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas presents a new book that examines Estonian history through the lens of one family, the Alvers. The work offers readers a unique perspective on intertwined life paths and people who have participated in major events in Estonian history.

Roots in the 17th century

The origins of the Alver family can be placed in the middle of the 17th century in Tarvastu parish, where the Alver farmstead was located. It was in Tarvastu that the idea for Alexander School was born, and the local community actively participated in both political and cultural events. Family members have not remained in one field, but have worked in nearly every sphere, from peasantry to becoming schoolmasters, in art and literature, politics and industry.

Three centuries of identity

The book covers nearly three hundred years of family history that has a clear and comprehensible identity in Estonian history. The author emphasizes that a family is not merely a genetic phenomenon, but also a social, cultural and historical community. Over time, through marriages, family names have changed, and the family includes among others Printsmanns, Laases/Lasses, Rips, Madises, Õmbluses and Kallases.

"In this way, the family is part of the composition of the national elite and a pillar of support. When I identify myself with this collective, it brings with it pride in them and a certain responsibility for my own actions," says Kallas in the book's introduction.