Russia's Campaign to Erase Crimean Tatar Identity in Occupied Crimea.

The Plight of Crimean Tatars Under Occupation

According to UATV: Living under immense psychological pressure, Crimean Tatars in the occupied peninsula nonetheless hold onto hope for Ukraine's return. On February 26, 2023, Riza Shevkiiev, General Director of the 'Crimea' Foundation, appeared on the 'FREEДОМ' TV channel to detail the challenges his people face under Russian rule. The Crimean Tatars are an indigenous Turkic people of Crimea who have faced persecution for decades, including a mass deportation ordered by Stalin in 1944.

Shevkiiev stated that Crimean Tatars are systematically barred from employment in state and law enforcement agencies, severely restricting their ability to exercise their rights and freedoms. He also highlighted the significance of May 18, the Day of Remembrance for the victims of the 1944 deportation, a pivotal date in the history of the Crimean Tatar people.

Targeting the Identity of the Young

Shevkiiev emphasized the societal pressure on youth, citing a personal example where his grandchildren came home from school and reported:

'Our teacher told us we are not Crimean Tatars, we are Russian Tatars'. — Riza Shevkiiev

This illustrates a deliberate attempt to alter the self-identification of Crimean Tatars and impose a different cultural identity upon them.

Shevkiiev further noted that 'concerts and weddings are permitted, but discussing politics is not.' This comment points to specific restrictions on political expression in occupied Crimea, even as some cultural events are allowed. He indicated that 'the Russians do not allow large gatherings or public speeches,' reflecting the broader suppression of rights and freedoms for Crimean Tatars under occupation.

Thus, despite these difficult conditions, Crimean Tatars continue to hope for Ukraine's return and the restoration of their rights.

The situation for Crimean Tatars in occupied Crimea remains complex and tense. The lack of opportunities to realize their rights and freedoms, coupled with the pressure on the identity of the youth, presents serious challenges for the community. Memorial dates like the Deportation Remembrance Day take on special significance in an environment where historical memory and cultural identity are under threat. The hope for Ukraine's return remains a crucial factor sustaining the spirit of the Crimean Tatars during this difficult time.