Today, the exhibition QIRIM İÇÜN / FOR CRIMEA opened at the Narva College of the University of Tartu (Estonia). It explores historical parallels between the crimes of the Soviet totalitarian regime in the mid-20th century, particularly the forced deportation of the Crimean Tatar people in 1944, and Russia’s modern colonial policy toward the Crimean Peninsula.

Presenting this project, which exposes Russia’s atrocities over centuries at the intersection of two value paradigms, in the Estonian city of Narva near the borders of the occupying country is a highly eloquent and symbolic step. As they say in Narva, this is the place where Europe starts, so Ukrainians want to talk about our Crimea.

The exhibition centers on artworks by Crimean Tatar artists, which through color, composition, and symbolism, reflect the profound trauma of exile and the fervent desire to return. Anton Logov’s graphic works trace key historical periods of the Crimean Tatar people, from the flourishing of the Crimean Khanate to their deportation and the present day. A significant part of the exhibition features the artbook Butterflies of Paradise, created from the childhood memories of Khatidzhe Kurtasanova, who was deported as a child, as well as the “Deportation” installation — a metaphor for loss, silence, and memory. Images of Crimean Tatar servicemen currently defending Ukraine connect generations of resistance in a living chain of struggle for freedom.

Representing the Mission, Yevhen Bondarenko, Head of the Information Department, attended the opening. In his speech, he extended gratitude to the Narva College of the University of Tartu and the city of Narva directly, on behalf of the Mission/Crimea Platform Office, for hosting this exhibition. He highlighted the importance of the exhibition traveling to Narva, and especially to a space where the future generation is being shaped, after its showing at the Riigikogu.

The opening was also attended by the Mayor of Narva, Katri Raik, and the Director of Narva College of the University of Tartu, Indrek Reimand. They pointed out the symbolism of the exhibition, as Estonia knows what deportations are from its own painful experience. It is important that the residents, the new generation, are taught and know the truth about the true pages of history.

This art project was first unveiled at the Mission’s Office grand opening in May 2024, just before the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Crimean Tatar Genocide. Later, QIRIM İÇÜN / FOR CRIMEA became part of the art program during the Third Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform in Riga.

The exhibition was also displayed in the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) leading up to a significant move that reaffirmed Estonia’s unwavering commitment to the principles of truth and historical accountability: the adoption of a Statement recognizing the 1944 deportation of the Crimean Tatar people as an act of genocide. This act sent a clear signal to the international community that crimes committed by totalitarian regimes must not go without legal assessment and accountability. It underscores Estonia’s stance as a nation that views its support for Ukraine not only through a military and political lens but also through a societal one.

The exhibition was organized by the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea / Crimea Platform Office in cooperation with the Embassy of Ukraine in Estonia, the media initiative Crimea Daily, the Congress of Ukrainians in Estonia, the Ukrainian Community of Narva, Narva College of the University of Tartu, State Enterprise Crimean House, TRO Media, and the Crimean Tatar restaurant Musafir.

The exhibition at the Narva College of the University of Tartu will last until August 1.

Estonia’s experience is crucial for Ukraine, which is fighting its own war for freedom. Shared values, historical parallels, and strategic interests only strengthen this bond. We are grateful to Estonia for its consistent and principled policy of supporting Ukraine!