On the occasion of the Day of the Crimean Tatar Flag and to celebrate the value and role of Crimean Tatar culture and cuisine, the Mission held a master class on cooking the Crimean Tatar dish yantyk. Food has always been and still is an important element of Crimean Tatar culture. Unique dishes not only represent the identity of the nation, but also serve as a subject of cultural exchange and mutual enrichment. 

The master class was conducted by a chef from the Crimean Tatar restaurant Musafir. The Permanent Representative Tamila Tasheva, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine Martin Harris, Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine Natalie Tsmoc, Chargé d’Affaires of the Netherlands in Ukraine Esselin van Erten, Chargé d’Affaires of Finland in Ukraine Merja Lahtinen, and Deputy Director General of the Ukrainian Institute Alim Aliiev attended the workshop.

During the master class, participants learned about the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of Ukraine and delved into the context of the Crimean Tatar gastronomic code, which has undergone many challenges, including the 1944 deportation.  Today, Russia is trying to destroy the culture of the indigenous people of Ukraine: it is destroying mosques, carrying out so-called “restorations”, and putting pressure on the Crimean Tatars by carrying out “hybrid” deportations. 

The diplomats also discussed the importance of supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the return of all occupied territories, which should be a priority for international security and the restoration of human rights and liberty. 

This event is another opportunity to emphasize the importance of supporting and preserving the culture of the indigenous people of Ukraine, the Crimean Tatars, who today, together with Ukrainians, are fighting for the independence of our country, resisting the occupiers, and making great efforts for the liberation and development of Ukraine.  

This event is supported by the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU), funded by aid from the governments of Canada, Finland, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 

The video includes a composition by Usein Bekirov.