Crimean Tatars facts for kids
| Languages | |
|---|---|
| Crimean Tatar | |
| Religion | |
| Sunni Islam |
The Crimean Tatars (Crimean Tatar: Qırımtatarlar) are a special group of people from Eastern Europe. They are a Turkic group, which means their language and culture are similar to other Turkic groups like Turks or Azeris. They are originally from Crimea, a peninsula located on the northern coast of the Black Sea. Most Crimean Tatars still live there today. Their native language is called Crimean Tatar.
Contents
Who Are the Crimean Tatars?
The Crimean Tatars are the original people of Crimea. They have lived there for many centuries. Their culture and history are deeply connected to this land. They are known for their unique traditions, music, and delicious food.
Where Do They Live?
While most Crimean Tatars live in Crimea, many also live in other countries. You can find communities of Crimean Tatars in places like Turkey, Uzbekistan, Romania, and Bulgaria. This is because of historical events that caused many of them to move or be forced to leave their homeland.
Their Language and Religion
The language spoken by Crimean Tatars is Crimean Tatar. It is a Turkic language. Their main religion is Sunni Islam. This means they follow the Sunni branch of the Islamic faith. Their mosques and religious traditions are an important part of their community life.
A Look at Their History
The history of the Crimean Tatars is very long and interesting. It includes times of great power and also times of hardship.
The Crimean Khanate
For a long time, from the 15th to the 18th century, the Crimean Tatars had their own powerful state called the Crimean Khanate. This was a very important kingdom in Eastern Europe. The Khanate was allied with the Ottoman Empire. It was a time when their culture and traditions grew strong. The capital city of the Khanate was Bakhchysaray, where you can still see the beautiful Khan's Palace today.
Changes and Challenges
In 1783, the Russian Empire took control of Crimea. This changed life for the Crimean Tatars. Many of them had to leave their homes and move to other countries, especially to the Ottoman Empire.
A very difficult time for the Crimean Tatars was during World War II. In 1944, almost all Crimean Tatars were forced to leave Crimea by the Soviet government. They were sent to distant places, mainly to Central Asia, like Uzbekistan. This event is known as the Deportation of the Crimean Tatars. Many people suffered and lost their lives during this forced journey.
Returning Home
After many years, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Crimean Tatars were finally allowed to return to their homeland in Crimea. They worked hard to rebuild their lives and communities. They brought back their traditions, language, and culture to Crimea.
Crimean Tatar Culture
Crimean Tatar culture is rich and vibrant. It has been shaped by their history and their connection to Crimea.
Music and Dance
Music and dance are very important in Crimean Tatar culture. They have traditional songs and dances that tell stories of their past and celebrate their life. One famous dance is called Qaytarma, which means "Return."
Food
Crimean Tatar cuisine is delicious! Some popular dishes include chebureki (fried pastries with meat), sarma (stuffed grape leaves), and pilaf (rice dish with meat and vegetables).
Images for kids
-
Crimean Tatars and a mullah around 1862
-
Steppe Crimean Tatars
-
Tat and Yaliboylu Crimean Tatars
-
Ozbek Han Mosque — one of the oldest mosques in Crimea. It was built in 1314
-
The Crimean Khan's Palace in Bakhchysaray by Carlo Bossoli
-
French-language Map of Crimea from 1774 showing mostly Turkic placenames.
-
The Crimean Khan and Bohdan Khmelnytsky doing namaz.
-
Crimean Tatar archer
-
Crimean Tatar's national dance — Qaytarma — "Return", 1790s
-
Caffa in ruins after Russian annexation of Crimea
-
Abandoned houses in Qarasuvbazar.
-
Crimean Tatar squadron of the Russian Empire
-
Crimean Tatar child on a special settlement after the deportation in 1944
-
Pro-Ukrainian demonstration in Simferopol during the Russian military intervention in Crimea, March 2014
-
Russian President Vladimir Putin meeting with pro-Russian representatives of the Crimean Tatars, 16 May 2014
See also
In Spanish: Tártaros de Crimea para niños
