Many active Crimean Tatar public figures began their path with the Crimean Tatar Youth Center. The organization played a very important role in the formation of personalities, values, and most importantly – gave a ticket to an adult, independent life. A number of CTYC members shared with the Crimean Tatar Resource Center memories of time spent in the organization.
“I learned in my youth that there is such an organization and almost immediately began to search for information – where are they located, how can I join the youth movement. It was 1998, and I lived in the Sevastopol region. And although at that time there were no social networks and mobile phones – I was able to find information about the organization”,- said Anife Kurtseitova, Chairwoman of the Sevastopol Branch of the CTYC, Chairwoman of the Crimean Family Public Organization.
Already at the age of 18, the activist was elected Chairwoman of the Sevastopol branch. Over the years of work, which is almost seven years, a lot of work has been done, the purpose of the organization was to unite young people to preserve, develop their native language and national traditions.
“What inspired me to participate in the center? Probably, the fact that our family has always been in the national movement of the Crimean Tatar people, activists and all concerned people have always gathered at our place. To be with our people, to help develop our language and culture is how we were raised and therefore, since childhood we participated and wanted to be an active part of our people”,- Anife shared her thoughts.
CTYC gave all members of the organization a lot of knowledge, since they often took part in various seminars and conferences, later they themselves prepared and conducted them. They also independently prepared national holidays, spent many evenings in memory of prominent figures of the Crimean Tatar people, learning more about their history and culture. Crumb by crumb we gathered important information and worked very smoothly.
“In a cheerful youth atmosphere, there is always the opportunity to gain new knowledge that will definitely help you in the future. A number of training programs, seminars, leaders' schools will give you valuable experience, the necessary confidence in yourself and your activity. And at this time – each of you will do something important and useful for our people, for the future of our people”,- Anife added.
“In my life, this organization played a very important role in shaping me as a leader, the importance and depth of the Crimean Tatar national movement. The acquaintances and friendships that were acquired during my participation in the organization are still present in my life”,- the CTYC Chairman (2006-2008) Mustafa Osmanov said.
As Mustafa Osmanov explained, the CTYC has always been driven by the idea of İsmail Gaspıralı: unity is power, and discord is death. Thanks to this idea and the enormous efforts of young people, the Crimean Tatar people got Altın Beşik, the first football team, the possibility of receiving education abroad, including internships at the European Council and other state institutions, and much more.
“Young people should always remember and be prous of their roots, history and culture of the people, so that they can pass the identinty to their children and grandchildren. Indeed, if we do not keep our customs, the modern world and the tendency to erase borders will lead to the disappearance of the Crimean Tatar people”,- he said.
“In all movements and parties, they pay attention to attracting young people to their ranks, transferring experience and knowledge to them. It was the same with the creation of the Crimean Tatar Youth Center – CTYC, the Organization of the Crimean Tatar National Movement – OCTNM, began work among youth and an initiative group was soon formed, consisting of Ernest Seidametov, Miliara Settarova and myself, while the whole group was led by Eskender Bariiev. After all the preparatory work was carried out, a constituent congress was held on May 14, 1995, at which Eskender Bariiev was elected as a Chairman”,- said Zair Smedliaiev, one of the founders of the CTYC, Chairman of the Central Electoral Commission of the Qurultay of the Crimean Tatar people.
CTYC became an independent organization and an active participant in the national movement, participated in the election of delegates of the Qurultay of the Crimean Tatar people and was constantly represented by several delegates.
“Since time is fleeting, it is necessary to continue to involve young people in our ranks, because today all those who were among the first are already older than 40, they already have their own experience and knowledge, and it has to be shared so that the struggle of our people is not interrupted , for the restoration of their rights and freedoms!”,- summed up Zair Smedliaiev.
