In 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 – We will return 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.