Kyiv to honor victims of genocide and hold an exhibition on the Day of Remembrance of Crimean Tatars

On May 18, Kyiv will host a space of remembrance and support dedicated to the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Crimean Tatar Genocide. The program includes an exhibition, letters of solidarity to political prisoners, and the lighting of candles in the shape of Crimea and tamga as a symbol of invincibility.

This was reported by the press service of the Mission of the President of Ukraine in Crimea.

From 14:00 to 20:00, events will be held at the Genocide Victims Memorial to recall the tragedy of deportation and support those who are still suffering from the occupation.

In particular, everyone will be able to write a "Letter to a Free Crimea" - words of support for Crimean political prisoners who are being persecuted by Russia for their pro-Ukrainian position and Crimean Tatar identity. The memorial also features an informational installation - an exhibition that tells the story of the genocide of the Crimean Tatar people and their return to their homeland. It covers the tragic events of the 1944 deportation, the struggle for the right to live in Crimea, the resilience of several generations, and shows the history of the colonial conquest of the peninsula - from the annexation of the Crimean Khanate in 1783 to the Soviet deportation and the current occupation, which has been going on since 2014.

At 20:30, a symbolic action will take place: participants will light candles in the shape of the Crimean peninsula and the Crimean Tatar tamga.

The flame of each candle will say: "We remember. We are with you. Crimea will be free," the organizers said.

More than 7,000 billboards and 149 citylights have been placed across Ukraine to mark the Day of Remembrance. Commemorative events will also be held abroad - in Turkey, Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Canada and the United States.

Also last Sunday, May 12, a street exhibition "QIRIM IÇÜN/For the sake of Crimea" dedicated to the Day of Remembrance of the victims of the Crimean Tatar Genocide, which is celebrated on May 18, was opened on Khreshchatyk near the Main Post Office.

The exhibition tells the story of the Crimean Tatar people, who survived the annexation of 1783, colonization, deportation in 1944, and the current occupation, while preserving their culture, identity, and political voice.

On May 8, the State Architectural and Construction Library named after V. Zabolotnyi in Kyiv hosted the event "Where Bitter Almonds Bloom...", an event dedicated to the Genocide Remembrance Day that brought together scholars, artists, a thematic exhibition, and a theatrical performance. Through the eyes of children, they conveyed the tragedy of the 1944 deportation, intertwining it with the events of the current war.

Анна Бальчінос