A typical example of mental region-building? The Balkan area in Finnish schoolbooks from the late 19th century to the beginning of the 21st century
A typical example of mental region-building? The Balkan area in Finnish schoolbooks from the late 19th century to the beginning of the 21st century

Summary/Abstract: Schoolbooks play a crucial role in the formation of one’s world view. This study analyzes how the Balkan area has been depicted in Finnish schoolbooks under the existence of the modern school system from the 1870s to the 2000s. For this study, all history and geography schoolbooks published in Finland have been examined. Of books of which there are several editions, at least the first and the last editions and any other necessary ones have been used. The familiarization of Finnish school children with the Balkan countries and peoples has occurred through two subjects, history, and foremost, through geography. Descriptions and interpretations relating to the Balkan area and its inhabitants have existed in Finnish schoolbooks from the beginning. During approximately 140 years, the amount of description and content has changed in some respects, but on the other hand, elements of clear continuity and immutability are apparent.

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