Today marks the birthday of the outstanding Ukrainian writer Mykhailo Kotsiubynsky (17 September 1864 – 25 April 1913), who became one of the symbols of Ukrainian literature and cultural revival of the late XIX – early XX century. Kotsiubynsky is known for his works reflecting deep social and psychological processes.
Did you know that he had a special connection with Crimea, which deeply influenced his work?
Throughout his life, he repeatedly visited Crimea and admired its nature and cultural diversity. Crimean landscapes, local culture and, especially, acquaintance with Crimean Tatars were reflected in his works. By the way, one of the ten languages Kotsiubynsky was fluent in – Crimean Tatar.
Indeed, Kotsiubynsky was greatly influenced by his acquaintance with Crimean Tatars, which is reflected in his work. He wrote 4 works about Crimea and Crimean Tatars: ‘Under the Minarets’, ‘Into the Sinful World’, ‘On the Stone’ and ‘In the Bounds of Shaitan’. All of them have been translated into Crimean Tatar.
In his works he depicted the life of Crimean Tatars, their life and customs, raised the theme of the struggle of this people for the right to live in their homeland.
Crimea and Crimean Tatars left their deep imprint in Mykhailo Kotsiubynsky’s work, and his works are still important for understanding Ukraine’s historical and cultural ties with this region.
‘Almost the whole day sat above the sea. It’s quiet, sunny. The air is so transparent that Demerdzhi seems to be just over my shoulders. The sea is blue to black, only white foam beats against the shore… Such days happen only in Crimea, and then in autumn,’ Kotsyubinsky describes the peninsula to his wife in his letter.