Спадщина. Miras. The Heritage
The book “Спадщина. Miras. The Heritage” is dedicated to the cultural and historical heritage of Crimean Tatars, who are the indigenous people of Ukraine. The authors-compilers are Oleksii Savchenko and Tetiana Savchenko, researchers of the Treasury of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine (Kyiv). The publication was created in close cooperation with Esma Adzhiieva, the head of the board of the NGO “Alem,” within the framework of the “Meanings Unifying People” project, implemented with the support of Switzerland.
The National Museum of Decorative Arts of Ukraine and the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine were the partners of the publication. Some of the items published in the book were provided from the private collections of Esma Adzhiieva, Elmira Seit-Ametova, and Vitalii Provolovskyi. The book was presented in October 2024. It is a logical continuation of the exhibition “Miras. The Heritage,” exhibited in the Treasury of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine from October 2022.
The book “Спадщина. Miras. The Heritage” is created to plunge you in the world of the living Crimean Tatar heritage with its continuous traditions. For the first time, readers can explore the renowned collection of Crimean Tatar artifacts stored in the National Museum of the History of Ukraine and its branch the Treasury. This collection is thematically supplemented by artifacts from the collections of the project partners.
The formation and preservation of the presented collection is closely related to the tireless efforts of influential figures in Crimean Tatar culture of the beginning of the 20th century, who, in particular, built the first Crimean Tatar museum in Bakhchysarai. Many of the presented Crimean Tatar art objects come from the museums of Yalta and Akmesdzhit.
Exquisite samples of jewelry art, elements of traditional dress, embroidery and copper crafts products represent the versatility and diversity of the Crimean Tatar culture. Understanding the social context of these objects and the experience of their creation, use, and perception reveals the interconnections between the material world of the Crimean Tatar people and their customs, etiquette, worldview, intellectual and spiritual life. The unity of these aspects forms a deep meaning of the word “Heritage.”
The texts for the publication were prepared in Ukrainian, Crimean Tatar and English languages, allowing the exploration of the heritage of the Crimean Tatar people in the native language of the culture bearers. This also provides a wider circle of English-speaking audiences with access to this unique information.
The photos illustrating various parts of the edition come from family archives of the project’s partners and friends, who have carefully preserved these heirlooms despite the war and the Soviet deportation of 1944.
Oleksii Savchenko, Esma Adzhiieva, and Tetiana Savchenko at the presentation of the book “Спадщина. Miras. The Heritage”
The book attracts readers’ attention to museum collections, which should not only be perceived as a collection of objects with historical, artistic, or material value. Each item presented in the book bears the imprint of an epoch, serving as a witness and participant in various events in human life. The memory of these events maintains the connection between generations of Crimean Tatars.
The vulnerability of heritage in the face of a global disaster is once again highlighted by the Russian military aggression in Ukraine. Since the occupation of Crimea in 2014, its victims and hostages have regularly been the bearers of culture – people. As well as museums, sights and collections.
The book “Спадщина. Miras. The Heritage” is part of the work of the NGO “Alem” on the research, documentation, preservation and popularization of the Crimean Tatar cultural heritage. We carry out this work together with partners, turning to reliable sources such as museum collections, manuscripts, and folklore. These sources demonstrate the richness and diversity of Crimean Tatars, the indigenous people of Ukraine.
Photo by Viktoriia Sidorova, the National Museum of the History of Ukraine
Thanks to the entire team that created the book!
Authors-compilers: PhD Oleksii Savchenko, Tetiana Savchenko
Translation into Crimean Tatar language: Zuleikha Kadri-Zade
English translation: Esma Adzhiieva, PhD Marina Dehtiarenko, PhD Oksana Lifantii
Literary editor: Oksana Kovalova
Photo of objects: Yurii Dikanchiev, Dmytro Klochko, Oleg Mitiukhin, Viktoriia Sidorova
Layout design: Maryna Lutsyk