Asan Sabri Ayvazov (1878-1938) was born on May 6 in Alupka in the family of a woodcutter, not even suspecting that he would become one of the leading figures of the Crimean Tatar national movement.
His contribution to the development of Crimean Tatar culture, education, and literature is difficult to overestimate. In 1898, Asan Sabri opened the first school for children in his hometown, where for the first time boys and girls were educated together. In this school, they studied not only religious subjects, but also the Crimean Tatar language, arithmetic, and geography, which was an innovative step for the time.
Literary critic and educator: Asan Ayvazov was not only an educator, but also a writer, literary critic and journalist. He edited several important publications and wrote articles that awakened the national consciousness of the Crimean Tatars. His texts were published in publications in Turkey and Azerbaijan. Asan Ayvazov’s works helped preserve the language and culture of the Crimean Tatars even in difficult times when the people were threatened with repression.
Contribution to the national movement of the Crimean Tatars: During the revolutionary years of 1917-1918, Asan Sabri Ayvazov was a significant figure in the national movement of the Crimean Tatars. He was twice elected chairman of the Kurultai, the first national assembly of the Crimean Tatars. Later, Ayvazov served as ambassador of the Crimean regional government to Turkey, promoting international recognition of the national interests of the Crimean Tatar people.
A tragic fate: In 1938, the Soviet authorities repressed Ayvazov and accused him of “espionage” and “counter-revolutionary activity”. On April 17, 1938, along with dozens of other Crimean Tatar intellectuals, he was shot dead. These repressions were aimed at destroying the elite of the people and undermining the national identity of the Crimean Tatars.
Asan Sabri Ayvazov left us a legacy that continues to inspire us today. His life and work are a symbol of the struggle for the people’s right to education, culture and independence.