On October 15, an exhibition titled "Cultural Heritage of Crimea" will open at the Gulliver shopping center in Kyiv, showcasing the unique history and culture of the Crimean Tatars, Karaites, and Krymchaks. The exhibition will run until October 29.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see:
- documents detailing the cultural practices of the Crimean peoples;
- artworks by renowned Crimean Tatar artist Rustem Skibin;
- traditional clothing of the Karaites;
- a dress by Gaptulvalnya inspired by Crimean Tatar national attire.
The opening will feature a panel discussion focused on the preservation of indigenous cultures in Ukraine. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion, which will start at 5 PM.
“We aim to show that Ukraine's history is the history of all its peoples. The Crimean Tatars, Karaites, and Krymchaks may be few in number, but they significantly influence Ukrainian culture. Our goal is to make their voices heard,” said Iryna Taranenko, co-founder of the project.
The project includes three short animated films narrated by Ukrainian celebrities, introducing both children and adults to the traditions and daily lives of Crimea's indigenous peoples: from the preparation of Crimean Tatar coffee to the Karaite kenases and Krymchak Torah. Experts and media partners, including journalist Akim Halimov, who voiced one of the animated films, contributed to the project.
According to the 2001 census, there were about 250,000 Crimean Tatars in Ukraine, while the number of Karaites was only about 1,000, and Krymchaks numbered around 400. These communities are among the smallest in the world, making them particularly vulnerable to losing their language and cultural heritage.
“The Book Journey project aims to reconnect Crimea with its history for both children and adults, reviving the culture of indigenous peoples so that everyone understands: Crimea is Ukraine, and the Crimean Tatars, Karaites, and Krymchaks are an integral part of the Ukrainian political nation,” the organizers state.
Facts about the indigenous peoples of Crimea:
- Crimean Tatars: They established the world's first Muslim democratic state — the Crimean People's Republic, where women gained the right to vote earlier than in France or the USA.
- Karaites: Known for their education and literacy — the first printing house in Chufut-Kale printed books in Hebrew in the 15th century.
- Krymchaks: The smallest and most mysterious indigenous nation in Ukraine, which has preserved its culture despite numerous tragedies of the 20th century.
About the Book Journey Project. Ukraine
The Book Journey. Ukraine is a nationwide educational project that creates illustrated books, animated films, and interactive exhibitions. The Book Journey. Roots of Crimea project is implemented by Green Penguin Media with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Fund.
