The last three centuries, the Crimean peninsula has undergone large-scale Russification and Sovietization, which is clearly reflected in the renaming of various geographical names.
First of all, the Russian authorities at various times did this in order to destroy the culture, language and history of the indigenous peoples of Ukraine – the Crimean Tatars, Karaites and Krymchaks, as well as their connection with their native land. Thousands of historical names of settlements and geographical objects were renamed in Crimea, for example, Aqmecit became Simferopol, Aqyar became Sevastopol, and Ichki became Sovietske.
Today it is important to work on the restoration of the historical toponymy of Crimea, which is of great importance for establishing justice for the forcibly deported Crimean Tatar people, for whom the preservation of their identity and history is vital. Moreover, the restoration of historical toponyms in Crimea is an important step for the de-occupation of Crimea and our victory.
That is why the Crimean Tatar Resource Center and the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people are launching a new information and advocacy campaign – By Returning the Names – We will Return Crimea, within which we will tell:
– when were the historical toponyms in Crimea renamed?
— how does Russia use toponymy in the information war?
— why is it important to restore historical toponyms in Crimea for the indigenous peoples of Ukraine, Ukraine as a state, the international community?
— what tools exist for restoring historical toponyms in Crimea?
We will talk about these and other topics on our website and in our social networks every Wednesday.
Friends, we hope that this campaign will find a place in your heart, because who, if not we, knows that the name matters.
The campaign is implemented with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. These posters were designed by CTRC activists and volunteers, and acquired their professional look thanks to Ukrainian artist Andrii Yermolenko.
Campaign’s materials:
Restoration of the historical toponymy of Crimea – a toolkit for the deoccupation of the peninsula
How does the Russian Federation use toponymy in the information war?
Why is it important for the international community to restore historical toponyms in Crimea?
Why is it important for Ukraine to restore historical toponyms in Crimea?
Why is it important for the Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine to restore historical toponyms in Crimea?
When and why were toponyms renamed in Crimea?
Can Ukraine restore historical toponyms in Crimea?
10 principles for restoring authentic place names of Crimea
We use the correct terminology regarding the toponymy of Crimea!
Why is it important for Ukraine to restore historical toponyms in Crimea?
Why is it important for the international community to restore historical toponyms in Crimea?
How did the Russian authorities rename settlements in Crimea?
CTRC calls for renaming reservoirs in Crimea
Correct names are the way home: CTRC calls for renaming railway stations in Crimea
Myth about the place names of Crimea: Sevastopol is a Greek name
Decolonization law comes into force in Ukraine
The National Commission proposes to change the names of 225 settlements in Crimea
Law on changing the administrative-territorial structure of Crimea: what needs to be improved?
Yes to the decolonization of the toponymy of Crimea!
CTRC begins cooperation with Ukrainian business to decolonize the toponymy of Crimea
Myth about the place names of Crimea: Yevpatoriia is a Greek name
Myth about the toponyms of Crimea: Sevastopol is a city of Russian glory
Reel about a real name of Simferopol
Reel about a real name of Sevastopol
Reel about a real name of Krasnohvardiiske
Reel about a real name of Bilohirsk
CTRC continues cooperation with Ukrainian business on the decolonization of Crimean toponymy
Decolonize Crimea’s Toponymy: what names we will return back on the peninsula?
Reel about a real name of Chornomorske town
Reel about a real name of Lokhivka village
Reel about a real name of Shchaslyve village
Reel about a real name of Sudak
Reel about a real name of Bilohirsk
Test: “What do you know about the historical toponyms of Crimea?”
Reel about a real name of Izobilne village
Why is it important for the international community to restore historical toponyms in Crimea?
Restoring Crimea’s true names- preserving our indigenous heritage!