Tatars (Crimean Tatars)

Crimean Tatars are an ethnic group native to Crimea, a peninsula in Ukraine. They are descendants of Turkic-speaking nomads who settled there centuries ago. Historically, they formed a distinct community with their own language, culture, and Islamic traditions. In 1944, during Stalin’s rule, many Tatars were forcibly deported to Central Asia, leading to a significant population loss. Since Crimea’s annexation by Russia in 2014, Crimean Tatars have faced repression and discrimination, but they continue to advocate for their cultural identity and political rights. They play a vital role in the region's history and current dynamics.