On January 26, the Museum of War held a discussion titled “Cultural Representations of Crimea and Crimeans,” featuring representatives from culture, journalism, and human rights advocacy. The participants explored issues of identity, history, culture, and the future of Crimea, emphasizing the importance of rethinking the peninsula’s image in Ukrainian society.
The panel included Nariman Dzhelyal, First Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People; Mavile Khalil, journalist, psychologist, and historian; Akhtem Seitablaiev, actor and director; Olena Lunova, Advocacy Director at the ZMINA Human Rights Center; Kostiantyn Hrubych, journalist and TV host; and Oleksii Bondarenko, editor-in-chief and founder of LiRoom Media. The discussion was moderated by Maryna Bohush, curator of the project War: A Reverse Perspective.
Nariman Dzhelyal emphasized the importance of restoring Crimea’s authentic identity by recognizing the contributions of Ukraine’s Indigenous peoples, including Crimean Tatars, Karaites, Krymchaks, and representatives of various national minorities, to the peninsula’s cultural heritage. He highlighted the potential of the term “Krymtsi” as a replacement for “Krymchany,” a term that Russian propaganda had historically used. Dzhelyal also called for dismantling colonial narratives in culture and education by promoting a more accurate understanding of Crimea’s history.
“Ukrainians are a political nation, and we must reflect on our history, learn its lessons, and build a future rooted in genuine, rather than artificial, values and concepts. Crimean Tatars should be viewed as an integral part of civil society, not as something separate or alien, as the narrative of ‘otherness’ has been exploited by Russia,” Dzhelyal stated.
Mavile Khalil discussed the enduring struggle of the Crimean Tatars to preserve their identity, even under Russian occupation. She underscored that for decades, the Crimean Tatar community lived under the imposed narrative that “they do not exist.” Mavile Khalil noted that many Crimean Tatars remaining under occupation find creative ways to maintain their identity and survive despite facing systematic repression, illegal detentions, and searches.
“It’s crucial to remember that living under occupation is an incredibly challenging ordeal, and we must not judge those whose resistance is less visible,” Mavile Khalil stressed, calling for open dialogue and support for those under occupation.
Akhtem Seitablaiev highlighted the role of culture and art in rebuilding connections between mainland Ukraine and Crimea. He proposed launching comprehensive cultural initiatives to reshape attitudes toward Crimea within modern Ukrainian society and dispel harmful imperial myths.
“We must learn about our history, restore Crimea’s historical names, avoid using Russian narratives, and ensure our textbooks do not perpetuate the idea that Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians are eternal adversaries,” Seitablaiev urged.
Olena Lunova addressed the cultural decolonization of Crimea after its de-occupation. She stressed the need to distinguish authentic Crimean identity from imperial narratives and cultural elements forcibly integrated into the peninsula during colonial periods.
“We need to collect evidence of what’s happening, identify markers that distinguish Crimea from the empire, and outline these distinctions as quickly as possible through the expansion of Crimean studies,” Olena Lunova stated.
Kostiantyn Hrubych shared personal memories of Crimea and stressed the importance of preserving the peninsula’s cultural heritage as an integral part of Ukrainian identity.
“Crimean Tatars exemplify sincerity and openness. They have always supported Ukraine, even during the most challenging times in its history. We must preserve the memory of these moments and use it as a foundation for our shared future,” Kostiantyn Hrubych said.
Oleksii Bondarenko stressed the importance of breaking stereotypes that reduce Crimea’s image to beach tourism and resort activities. He called for a re-evaluation of Crimea’s identity.
“Crimea is much more than just beaches or resort towns. It is a unique space with a rich history and diverse cultural heritage that we must cherish,” Oleksii Bondarenko emphasized.
Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko presented the Museum of War with a catalog titled LOMYKAMIN’: Women’s Resistance in Crimea. She highlighted the importance of showcasing women’s roles in resisting Russian aggression and preserving their experiences through art and expressed gratitude to the participants and all those working to illuminate Crimea-related issues.
Visitors to the museum and participants in the discussion were also invited to join the Letters to a Free Crimea initiative to support unlawfully imprisoned Crimean residents.