Finland The Country of White Liliesby Grigory Petrov
Translated by Müge Sözen Get a copy
Book Detail
This book explains Snellman’s ideas on developing a newly growing country. It focuses on increasing the quality of education and the school environment. This book became very popular among developing countries. It was first written in Serbia in 1923 under the title “Zidari of Belly” which translates to “Creators of Life”. It was next printed in Bulgarian in 1925 under the title “In the Country of White Lilies”. In Bulgarian, the book has gone through 14 editions. The book was also printed in Turkish in 1928. In Turkish, the book has gone through 16 editions. The first president of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, knew that this book held valuable information so he made all public employees read the book, he put it into the school curriculum, and made Turkish officers study the book. This book was then published in Russia in 2004 under the title “Finland, the Country of White Lilies”. Today marks the day that this book was translated to English by Atatürk Research Center CT. (July 2020) About Grigory Petrov
Grigory Spiridonovich Petrov was born in Yamburg, (now Kingisepp, Leningrad Oblast) on February 6, 1866. Petrov graduated from St. Petersburg Theological Seminary in 1886 and later graduated from St. Petersburg Theological Academy in 1891. Petrov’s most successful work was the “Gospel as the Foundation of Life'', which he wrote in 1898. Petrov was an Orthodox Priest. From 1895 - 1906, Petrov served as prior to the Church of Mikhailovsky Ordnance Academy. In 1902 - 1904, Petrov worked as a lecturer of theology at the Polytechnical Institute. In 1899 - 1917, Petrov contributed to the Russkoe Slovo newspaper. Petrov wrote books, brochures, and articles where he advocated Christian socialism. From 1901 - 1903, Petrov took part in various religious and philosophic meetings. Also in 1903, conservatives attacked Petrov’s ideas on religion. He joined the liberal renovated church movement. This movement opposed the Russian Orthodox Church. Then, in 1906, Petrov published the Pravada Bozhiya newspaper. Pravada means “truth” in English. The purpose of the newspaper was to publicize labor activism and expose working conditions in Russian factories. In 1907, Petrov was elected Deputy of the Second State Duma as a member of the constitutional Democratic Party. He did not get to serve as Duma because he was charged with false teaching at an ecclesiastical court. Also in 1907, Petrov was banned from his ministry and was sent for discipline in the Cheremenetsky Monastery. In 1908, Petrov was defrocked. After being defrocked, Petrov became a journalist for a liberal newspaper called, “The Word''. Since Petrov was defrocked, he was banned from living in St. Petersburg. Petrov then travelled around the country giving lectures. In 1920, Petrov went to Constantinople (modern day Istanbul) by ship from Crimea. He ended up in a refugee camp in Gallipoli (modern day Gelibolu). He then went to Trieste and then to Belgrade. In June of 1925, Petrov arrived in France. He went to a clinic near Paris called “Maison de Sante”. Petrov found out he had an incurable cancerous tumor. Petrov had to have an operation to try to take out the tumor. Unfortunately, on June 18, 1925, right after his operation he passed away. Petrov died in Paris and was cremated. His ashes were transferred from Paris to Munich. Reviews
Nov 03, 2012Saida Ojagverdiyeva rated it really liked it · review of another edition The book was recommended and even obligatory in Turkish universities during Ataturk period, and one of the nicest examples of civil society development through significance of education and the rise of national consciousness. Left deep impression on me. flag9 likes · Like · comment · see review Dec 10, 2017Schehani rated it it was amazing · review of another edition In the Land of White Lillies by Grigory Petrov: ------------------------------ I have read the English translation (rendered from Turkish version) of Grigory Petrov's - a famous Russian writer, educationist and reformer of 20th Cent who lived an exiled life after he was persecuted by Czarist regime and later by Bolsheviks - book, " In the Land of White Lillies". It's one of the greatest reads of all time for me. It's a master piece; it should be read by every citizen of a country, especially thos ...more flag4 likes · Like · 3 comments · see review Oct 22, 2017Onur rated it really liked it · review of another edition The book gives good, clear and instructive examples and route map in order to develop the countries especially for undeveloped counters particularly about education system. I recommended this book. flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review Mar 25, 2018Ismailcan Ersahin rated it really liked it · review of another edition It is quite an encouraging story which can be an example to all other countries that are lacking of national bonds and national consciousness. Small country but the very strong perseverance they built which leads to a creation of a modern and a happy nation. flag1 like · Like · comment · see review Oct 29, 2019Mithral rated it liked it · review of another edition This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. flagLike · comment · see review Oct 05, 2019Tuğrulcan Elmas rated it liked it The book (partially) tells the story of how Finland / Finnish became a developed nation from scratch after being independent. However I do not think the book is good at it, it does not explain the mechanics exactly and do not go beyond aphorisms by Snelman, some instances of investments and memories. Probably, a lot of newly independent developing countries had similar beginnings but different ends. Must do further reading. That Snelman's views on football made my day tho. flagLike · comment · see review Aug 27, 2018Gürkan Gür rated it really liked it · review of another edition The book telling us how a nation can be stronger with morality,education, honor. Also Ataturk recommend this book to be read by young Turkish students and officials. I found book’s method little bit boring but mesaage was good flagLike · comment · see review Dec 11, 2017Can rated it really liked it · review of another edition A full story about people of Finland and how they builded a great modern country flagLike · comment · see review Mar 22, 2018erdal erdoğan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition New and fresh opinions... flagLike · comment · see review Apr 18, 2018Sezin Ilbasmış rated it it was amazing · review of another edition It is really easy to read, include inspiring stories, it create the idea to say "possible" for a beautiful country. flagLike · comment · see review Sep 29, 2018Ciftci Mahmud rated it it was amazing · review of another edition It should be read by people who think humanity and being human. Great ideas in order to be developed not only as a person but also as a nation it seems I will keep it with me for long time flagLike · comment · see review May 16, 2019Mohamad Ibrahim rated it really liked it · review of another edition Some kind of weird and wonderful book flagLike · comment · see review Aug 04, 2019Jose Mourinho rated it it was amazing · review of another edition Super book. Everyone should read it. It was a gift from NAO school on Teacher's day. flagLike · comment · see review Nov 29, 2019Beyza Aksu rated it really liked it · review of another edition Strong in explaining what they achieved but poor in addressing the question of “how” flagLike · comment · see review Dec 07, 2019Muhammed Buyukkinaci rated it really liked it · review of another edition Long story short, the book tells us about the significance of a revolutionary leader, who is Snellman. He shows us how one should approach to the society in order to transform it completely. flagLike · comment · see review Dec 18, 2019Ulviyya Majnunova added it · review of another edition This book give you so much hope! flagLike · comment · see review Apr 01, 2020Esma Gulmez rated it liked it · review of another edition If you want to find a way to deal with difficulties in life, you should take a look at this book. flagLike · comment · see review May 14, 2020Zafer Dörter rated it it was amazing · review of another edition Everyone should definitely read this book. Excellent. My favorite book. flagLike · comment · see review Jun 08, 2019Osman rated it it was amazing O M G !!! This was an eye-opening, mind-blowing, motivational book. This journal style book is about the efforts of Finland on its way to civilization. I believe everyone should read this book and take notes! flagLike · comment · see review Feb 03, 2015Meryem rated it really liked it · review of another edition An insipring book especially for the third world countries' people or for the ones who dream of an educational revolution for their countries. The writer who is originally a preacher wrote more like preaching than a booklike language but it didn't bother me as i mostly interested in the context. Before i started the book i heard that Atatürk asked all his subordinates to read this book. Although i am not sure if this is true or not the context of the book made me believe that it may be true and ...more flagLike · comment · see review Apr 19, 2016Celine Evren rated it really liked it · review of another edition Must to read especially for Turkish ppl who are suffering because of the new face of the country... flagLike · comment · see review Aug 10, 2016Manshuk rated it it was amazing · review of another edition One of the astonishing book for me, in some points influenced me to make decisions, right decisions, and lesson from the book every person should act like a doctor in his or her own field!!! flagLike · comment · see review Feb 16, 2019Burhan Özdemir rated it it was amazing · review of another edition Shelves: history, novels A guidebook for the people of backward nations.. Also a book that everyone should gain something except for the intellectual person. flagLike · comment · see review Jun 11, 2012Gül rated it it was amazing · review of another edition Atatürk loved this book, too. This book tells the truths, peace and justice. flagLike · comment · see review |