Ivan Orav[1] (September 1, 1908 – June 19, 2009) is a fictional character created by Estonian writer Andrus Kivirähk, who published a book "Memoirs of Ivan Orav or the Past as Azure Mountains" (Ivan Orava mälestused, ehk, Minevik kui helesinised mäed[2]) in 1995.[3] The book mocks popular stereotypes about the interbellum period of Estonian independence.[4]
Over time, the character was fleshed out (through publications in Eesti Päevaleht newspaper), anticipated[5] and celebrated[6] his 100th anniversary. His biography was finalised in his obituary next year.[7]
During 1994 and 1995 a TV series Vabariigi valvur was aired with Andrus Vaarik as Ivan Orav.
In the summertime of 2004 the Estonian State Archives joined the joke by uncovering and publishing a birth register of the Tõhela-Murru Eastern Orthodox Church which said that Ivan Orav and his wife Jelisaveta had daughter Lyudmila. Also, before the coming of the Soviet Estonian: [[tibla]]s he changed his name to Jaan in 1939.[8]