Ukraine showcased Crimean Tatar culture at an exhibition in Kuwait

A photo exhibition titled "Ukraine's Islamic Heritage" opened in Kuwait, dedicated to the history of Muslim communities, Crimean Tatar culture, and the spiritual traditions of Crimea.  The event was held to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Kuwait.

This was reported by the Kuwait Times.

In his speech, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Maksym Subkh, emphasized that Islam is an integral part of Ukraine’s cultural and spiritual heritage, which has deep historical roots in Crimea and among the Crimean Tatar community.

Subkh noted that Kuwaiti charitable organizations supported the restoration of the historic Al-Iman Mosque in 2013. That same year, the Kuwaiti Zakat House contributed to the construction of a mosque in the village of Krasnosilske. Additionally, in 2012, they supported the construction of the “As-Sanabil” mosque in the village of Veresaieve.

<picture></picture>PHOTO: kuwaittimes.com

The ambassador also highlighted the educational and institutional cooperation between the two countries. Subh expressed gratitude to Kuwait for its efforts to preserve Ukraine’s Islamic heritage and strengthen bilateral relations. He noted that cultural heritage lives on not only in monuments but also through the people who preserve their history, faith, and traditions.

The ambassador also highlighted the complex history of the Crimean Tatar community, particularly its forced deportation by the Soviet regime in May 1944 and subsequent restrictions on returning to Crimea, as well as on cultural expression and religious life.

Since the beginning of the Russian occupation and the attempt to annex Crimea in 2014, Crimean Tatars and other Muslim communities have faced new challenges, including restrictions on religious freedom and pressure on national and religious minorities,” he stated.

Subh also noted that Muslims continue to serve in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine alongside Ukrainians of various faiths and backgrounds, defending the country’s independence and sovereignty.

<picture></picture>PHOTO: kuwaittimes.com

The exhibition featured archival materials and contemporary photographs documenting the development and spread of Islam in Ukraine, particularly in Crimea. The exhibition covered historical and modern mosques, Crimean Tatar traditions, as well as the diversity of Muslim culture, cuisine, and architecture.

Special attention was given to the scholarly work of Dr. Mykhailo Yakubovych, who produced the first complete Ukrainian translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran from Arabic.

Another highlight of the exhibition was the ornek—a traditional Crimean Tatar ornament included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

Анна Літман