On January 31, the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) hosted the presentation of the academic and educational Center for Crimean Studies. Deputy Permanent Representative Denys Chystikov participated in the opening ceremony.
The event was attended by NaUKMA President Serhii Kvit, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom to Ukraine Martin Harris, former Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (2022–2024), and Member of Parliament of Ukraine Tamila Tasheva, Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Refat Chubarov, Head of the Center for Crimean Studies Martin-Oleksandr Kyslyi, First Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Nariman Dzhelyal, NaUKMA Vice President for Academic Affairs Olha Poliukhovych, Deputy Director General of the Ukrainian Institute Alim Aliiev, and Director of the Kyiv-Mohyla Analytical Platform Serhii Petukhov. Journalist and psychologist Mavilie Khalil moderated the event.
The Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea actively supports the activities of the educational and research Center for Crimean Studies at NaUKMA. The development and preparation of the First Winter School of Crimean Studies became possible thanks to the support of the United Kingdom in Ukraine and the close partnership with the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
In his speech, Deputy Permanent Representative Denys Chystikov highlighted that the Center for Crimean Studies is an important initiative not only for the academic field but also for those engaged with the topic of Crimea—those who study and promote the history, religion, and culture of the Crimean Peninsula, and those working in diplomacy or politics. One of the key goals remains preserving the understanding that Crimea is Ukraine, both within Ukrainian society and globally. He emphasized that such educational and research projects assist governmental institutions, such as the Mission, in developing strategic documents related to the de-occupation and reintegration of the temporarily occupied peninsula.
“It should be noted that the opening of this center is not only timely but also strategically important. Crimean Studies unites scholars, public figures, and state officials who will focus on preserving Indigenous peoples’ cultural heritage and developing new visions for the safe reintegration of the Crimean Peninsula. Crimean Studies will also serve as an information front against propaganda and hostile narratives imposed by Russia,” stated Denys Chystikov.
During the Center for Crimean Studies opening, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine, Martin Harris, emphasized the importance of preserving Crimea’s cultural heritage and studying its history. He noted that the peninsula has always been an essential political and cultural crossroads where various ethnic communities, traditions, and languages have coexisted. The Ambassador also mentioned his interest in Crimean issues, which is reflected in his work. The Crimean Room at the British Embassy reminds all visitors of the significance of this region for Ukraine’s history.
“The United Kingdom is pleased to support this unique project for Ukraine. It allows students to learn about the ancient history, rich culture of the peninsula, and the fascinating language of the Crimean Tatars. The position of the British government has always been and remains unchanged: Crimea is Ukraine,” emphasized Martin Harris.
President of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Serhii Kvit emphasized the importance of creating a consolidated academic community focused on comprehensive research about Crimea. He stressed the need to explore not only the peninsula’s historical aspects but also its contemporary challenges and future prospects. Special attention was given to the role of Crimean Tatar culture and language, highlighting that their development will be a key focus of the center, both within the university and beyond.
“I believe that the critical mass of scholars and researchers will continue to grow, and together, we will significantly contribute to our understanding of Crimea—not only its past but also its present and, most importantly, its future. And, of course, we will always remember the Crimean Tatar culture and language. We will develop this within the university and promote it to other educational institutions,” noted Serhii Kvit.
Member of Parliament of Ukraine Tamila Tasheva emphasized the crucial role of the academic environment in shaping the international perception of Ukraine. She highlighted that for decades, the history of Crimea had been distorted by Russian propaganda, influencing not only the academic community but also the political decisions of governments worldwide. A key role in countering this distortion is played by the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska, which unites international academic initiatives for a deeper study of Ukraine, particularly the culture and history of the Crimean Tatars.
“We need to change the world’s perception of Ukraine through the academic environment, which is why the launch of Crimean Tatar and Crimean Studies at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy is critical,” noted Tamila Tasheva.
Nariman Dzhelyal, First Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, expressed confidence in the importance and ambition of this initiative. He emphasized that creating such an academic space would help establish strong ties between the Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian communities, aiding in overcoming the consequences of Russia’s imperial policies that have long sought to divide these two peoples.
“The doors that Russia’s imperial efforts kept closed for many years are gradually opening. I wish to see them flung wide open so that no Ukrainian ever questions, ‘What is Crimea, and why do we need it?’ And so that no Crimean ever doubts, ‘Is Crimea a part of Ukraine?’ We are all on the same team,” stressed Nariman Dzhelyal.
Martin-Oleksandr Kyslyi, the Head of the Center for Crimean Studies, historian, and researcher, noted that Kyiv-Mohyla Academy is the ideal place for such an initiative, as the university has always been a space for critical thinking and innovative ideas. The center will serve as a platform for studying Crimean Tatar history and culture and as an essential venue for examining post-colonialism and analyzing contemporary Russia as an aggressor state.
“Despite the existence of various initiatives, some of which were quite powerful, they lacked institutionalization. Crimean Studies at NaUKMA ensure that all the efforts invested have a lasting impact. Why? Because this is a university center, students will be the primary learners of Crimea. In the future, I hope they will become experts and researchers themselves,” remarked Martin-Oleksandr Kyslyi.
Leading academics, including representatives from Harvard University and the University of Alberta, delivered welcoming remarks at the Center for Crimean Studies opening.
In conclusion, establishing the Center for Crimean Studies marks a significant milestone for the Ukrainian academic community and is part of a broader global process of decolonizing knowledge about Crimea. The center will become a vital platform for intellectual discussions, research activities, and academic diplomacy, contributing to a robust international discourse on Crimea as an integral part of Ukraine. Its opening is a step forward for Ukrainian science and a powerful symbol of academic decolonization and the restoration of historical justice.
