Haytarma

In March 2014 Crimea was annexed by the Russian Federation. The great majority of Crimean Tatars – the indigenous people of the peninsula – did not support the annexation. It is estimated that around 20.000 Crimean Tatars left the peninsula fearing political or religious repressions. Small, religious community of Crimean Tatars have found refuge in Drohobych in western Ukraine. They follow their traditions and customs to preserve their identity. Crimean Tatars have strong emotional bond with their native land – maybe because they were forced to leave it in the past. In 1944, the Soviet authorities ordered the deportation of about 200.000 Crimean Tatars. Those who have left Crimea after the annexation feel again that they have been deprived of the possibility to live a peaceful life in their historical homeland. However, the experience of previous generations gives them patience and assures them that eventually they will return home. “Haytarma” is a name of traditional Crimean Tatar dance, which can be translated as a “return”.