On May 26, the Theater on Podil hosted an evening of remembrance of the victims of the deportation of the Crimean Tatar people. The National Ensemble of Soloists “Kyiv Camerata,” conducted by Antonii Kedrovskyi, presented a cultural synthesis that blended music, poetry, and theatrical performances.

The event featured actor and director Akhtem Seitablaiev, internationally acclaimed violinist Shevket Ablialimov, and People’s Artist of Ukraine Femi Mustafaiev.

Head of the Information Department of the Mission, Yevhen Bondarenko, expressed gratitude to the organizers on behalf of the Mission and personally on behalf of the Permanent Representative, Olha Kuryshko. In his address, he emphasized that even in times of war, culture becomes a tool for restoring identity:

“It is especially meaningful and important that on the 81st anniversary of the genocide of the Indigenous Crimean Tatar people, in the eleventh year of war, the culture of the Indigenous people is coming to life through projects performed on contemporary stages. But its place is not limited to national venues. It must live, be revived, and speak to the world from the leading stages across the globe. Because it is through the revival of culture that a people are reborn. And with them — our state, Ukraine.”

The Head of the Information Department of the Mission also emphasized that today’s cultural initiatives dedicated to Crimea face a number of challenges — particularly the limited number of available artists. At the same time, he stressed the vital importance of supporting such projects:

“While working on cultural events dedicated to the Crimean Peninsula, we are constantly reminded of how difficult it is to involve artists — unfortunately, there are very few. And yet, it is extremely important to include them in large-scale, meaningful, and powerful projects. Equally important is to support these initiatives — with participation, ideas, and development. Because when we remind ourselves that the war has now lasted for eleven years, that alone sends a strong signal to each of us. We must invest even more in the culture of remembrance and in the future of our territories that are currently temporarily occupied.”

Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Refat Chubarov also delivered a welcome address:

“The world must know about every nation, about every individual. Unpunished evil tends to return with even more horrifying consequences. The destruction of the Ukrainian nation is a consequence of what was done to the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar peoples in the 20th century — and that is precisely why this evil has returned today. We will build memorials, hold events, and come to know one another so that the tragedies of today are never repeated. As long as we remember, we will live and grow,” stated Refat Chubarov.

The evening served as a unique expression of Crimean Tatar culture through art, revealing the depth of the tragedy of deportation and reminding us of the strength of national identity. Music, poetry, and performances by artists and cultural figures created an atmosphere of remembrance that sustains the living tradition of the Crimean Tatar people.

Photo: Nadzhiie Ametova