In recent centuries, the Crimean peninsula has undergone large-scale renaming of various geographical names. Ever since the beginning of the annexation of Crimea in 1783, the policy of destroying historical toponyms on the peninsula began.
For the indigenous peoples of Ukraine, the destruction of historical toponyms dealt a huge blow. This became especially noticeable after the illegal deportation of the indigenous Crimean Tatar people in 1944. At this time, the most massive and most destructive wave of renaming took place. Then the Soviet authorities tried to destroy everything that was connected with the Crimean Tatars, which the Russian authorities continue to do even now.
So, why is it important for the indigenous peoples of Ukraine to restore historical toponyms in Crimea?
- To preserve the history, culture and heritage of the indigenous peoples of Ukraine.
- To restore historical justice.
- To preserve the connection of the indigenous people with the Crimea.
- To preserve the language of the indigenous Crimean Tatar people.
Returning the historical names, Ukraine will position itself as a European, legal state that is trying to restore justice and take care of the indigenous peoples of our country. By adopting the Law of Ukraine On the Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine in 2021, Ukraine has already become an example for many countries in the world as a state that protects the rights of indigenous peoples in practice.
Historical names are the right of the people!
And we will talk about why it is important to restore historical toponyms in Crimea for Ukraine, as a state and for the international community, in the following publications of the CTRC!
The campaign is implemented with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. This poster was designed by the activists and volunteers of the CTRC, and acquired its professional look thanks to the artist Andrii Yermolenko.