Qarşılıq / Resistance: Asan “Hasan” Isenadzhyiev 

Qarşılıq / Resistance is a series of stories by representatives of Ukraine’s indigenous peoples — military personnel, and veterans who fought and continue to fight for the right to live in a free and independent Ukrainian state. On the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Crimean Tatar Genocide, five Ukrainian servicemen and veterans of Crimean Tatar origin talk about their motivation to resist the Russian occupiers with weapons in their hands.

Today, Asan Isenadzhyiev, a veteran of the 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov”, a paramedic from Azovstal who survived Russian captivity and returned to Ukraine, tells his story. 

My grandfather told a story about the deportation that I remember very well. While they were being forced into a freight train, a little girl fell out of the wagon. The Russians set dogs on her. Nobody scared the dogs away… 

This happened in front of my grandfather, who was still a child. I also had to see similar events live with a difference of 78 years. Again on May 18. And again because of the Russians. 

Captivity in Taganrog was hell. And there I often thought about our history. My family had gone through many hardships. I remembered what my grandparents and great-grandparents had gone through, and I told myself that I had to be worthy of it. My great-grandfather went through World War II, reached Cologne, was injured, returned to the war, and then there was the deportation… But despite everything, they survived. 

So I had to go through all the obstacles and survive. 

Despite everything, my family returned to their homeland, the Crimea. Likewise, one day I would like to walk the streets of Bakhchysarai again, see the Dzhur-Dzhur Waterfall, and the Angarskyi Pass, and climb Demerdzhi. I want to feel at home again. 

Asan’s family was deported by the Soviet authorities in 1944, and they endured a long ordeal, but still managed to return to their homeland. Likewise, Asan Isenadzhyiev himself experienced many trials and went through hell, but did not give up. Today he teaches tactical medicine and helps the army as a volunteer. And, of course, he dreams of returning to Crimea. 

The resistance continues!