Today, April 17, we remember the heroism of the representatives of Crimean Tatar intelligentsia, who became victims of Stalin’s repressions.
In 1938, on this very day, 36 prominent figures of culture, science and public life were shot on Stalin’s personal order. This was an attempt to suppress the national identity and activity of the Crimean Tatar people.
The so-called “Stalin’s List” was signed on March 5, 1938. Among the victims were the artist, scientist and founder of the Bakhchisaray Palace-Museum Usein Bodaninsky, the researcher of Crimean Tatar culture Osman Akchokrakly, the poet Abdullah Latif-zadeh and many others.
The contribution of these people to the development of Crimean Tatar culture and heritage is indescribably important. We want their names and heroic deeds always to remain in our memory and remind us of their tireless struggle for rights and freedom.
Remembering these events, we call on everyone to never forget the tragic pages of history in order to prevent the recurrence of similar crimes in the future. Let our memory be their legacy and a reminder of the greatness of human dignity.