The war-torn history of Crimea—my home | Emine Dzhaparova | TEDxAthens

24 Feb 2024 (10 months ago)

Emine Dzhaparova's Personal Experiences

Emine Dzhaparova, a 40-year-old Ukrainian diplomat and ethnic Crimean Tatar, shares her personal experiences and reflections on the history and struggles of the Crimean Tatar people.
In 1944, the Soviet Union, under Joseph Stalin, committed a genocide against the Crimean Tatars by forcibly deporting the entire nation to Central Asia.
Despite the hardships and discrimination they faced in exile, the Crimean Tatars maintained their cultural identity and longed to return to their homeland.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Crimean Tatars were finally able to return to Crimea, but they faced challenges such as unemployment, discrimination, and the destruction of their homes.
In 2014, Russia illegally annexed Crimea, leading to the imprisonment and persecution of those who opposed the occupation.
Emine Dzhaparova describes the pain of leaving her homeland again and the desperation of her daughter to find a way to return home.

The speaker discusses the establishment of the international Crimea platform, a diplomatic initiative aimed at returning Crimea to Ukraine, and the subsequent sanctions and arrest warrant issued by Russia.
They emphasize the importance of standing up to aggression and highlight the devastating impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including the destruction of cities like Mariupol and the suffering endured by Ukrainian citizens.
They draw a parallel between Ukraine's resilience and the image of a tree sprouting from a stone, symbolizing the nation's transformation from victim to a blossoming nation.

The speaker reflects on the significance of home as a place of belonging, healing, and overcoming obstacles, and encourages people to appreciate and protect their homes and the peace they live in.