Our Photo Album - Page II                                             Photogaphy and Web Design by Roger, Copyright 2003-2008

Sani was invited to deliver a keynote presentation for the City of Bakhchisaray, Museum Ismail Gasprinsky.  Her program included excerpts from her Tatar Publications.  Museum Gasprinsky contains the Crimea's most renown collection of arts pertaining to the history of the Crimean Tatar's.   She was honored by both the Mayor of the City, Director of the Museum and Woman's League of Crimean Tatars.  Over 60 people attended, many wonderful representatives of the culturally rich community of  Bakhchisaray.  During her paper, many well known writers gave thanks, flowers and verse.  Many smiles and tears were shed as a result of the historical significance of Tatar history.  The Tatars are wonderful people who always maintained their strength and honor, even following persecution by Stalin and insensitive leaders of Soviet times.  Crimean Tatars still face a constant uphill battle in order to maintain their homeland, culture and independence.  As an American, I saw what reminded me of our societies historical prejudices, certainly a sadness that is echoed throughout our world.  What I have learned by my direct involvement with Tatar culture is to never draw any conclusion about any society or culture until you have experienced it firsthand.  

Move your Mouse cursor over some photos and descriptions should appear.

Sani prepares for Presentation at Museum The Mayor of Bakhchisaray delivers heartfelt thanks
Tatar Poetry and Short Stories by Sani

People Attending the Presentation including Sani's colorful Parents on right of Photo. They are among a few remaining Tatar seniors who survived hard times in old Soviet Russia.
Museum Director honors Sani Tatar Celebration after Presentation. Music, Champagne and Food was shared by all.
Outside Museum Gasprinsky Views of Bakhchisaray while enjoying Lunch

Brief History

9th -13th century Turkish tribes and Mongol Tatars entered the region
14th -17th century The Crimean formed its own Khanate as a part of Ottoman Empire
1783 Russian Cossacks occupied the Crimea
1917 - 1918 The Crimea briefly declared its independence. In the years that followed approximately 1.25 million people fled to Turkey, Romania and Caucasus
1928 The Crimea received the status of Autonomous Soviet Republic
1941 German troops invaded the Crimea
1944 Soviet troops reconqued the peninsula and deported the entire Crimean Tatars population
1988 Crimean Tatars were officially allowed to return to their homeland
1996 A new Constitution of the Ukraine was adapted containing all the safeguards for a democratic, non-ethnic state and granting everyone the right to have a free choice to residence
 Map of Crimea

 

Hit Counter