On the Day of the Crimean Tatar Flag, we publish an appeal from the First Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, Nariman Dzhelуal, who is currently in illegal detention

On the Day of the Crimean Tatar Flag, we publish an appeal from the First Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, Nariman Dzhelуal, who is currently in illegal detention.

“I have heard the opinion that Crimean Tatars need to defend their national interests, regardless of the flag of a particular state in Crimea. And at first glance, it seems to be right. Despite the circumstances, we are faced with the tasks of developing culture, educating young people, preserving the language, and strengthening identification. It is achieving what a nation ceases to exist without. But this is, to a certain extent, a primitive approach.

If we touch on the essence of our national interests, the opinion expressed at the beginning will turn out to be wrong. Because several circumstances in which the Crimean Tatar people are forced to live today do not contribute to their development. And in some cases, it leads to the degradation of its subjectivity.

I am sure that even a cursory analysis of the current situation allows us to conclude that the political system in Crimea allows Crimean Tatars to exist as nothing more than an ethnic community with its traditions and basic needs. And this is not without obstacles and efforts to overcome them. Often in vain.

Crimean Tatars are being mummified, creating yet another exhibit in the museum of the post-Soviet present that Russia has become. Another element of the reserve of “friendship of nations,” “multinational society,” where being a member requires giving up the natural rights of any people. The right to give one’s assessment of events, to state it publicly, to make independent decisions, and implement them. That is, to be free.

If the Crimean Tatars want to remain subjective, to determine the vector of their future development according to their traditions and values, then the need to choose a flag, that is, a perspective, is obvious. And for me, this choice is simple and clear.

The colors of the Crimean Tatar flag give a clear answer. The history of relations between Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars is long and complicated. Joint efforts in the formation of the modern Ukrainian state. And, of course, the commonality of values, goals, and ways to achieve them make this choice obvious. And the decisions of the Ukrainian authorities in recent years, as well as their expressed intentions, make this choice even more reasonable and correct.

My fellow citizens, under the pressure of the circumstances, do not be afraid to go beyond the imposed framework, at least in your thoughts and judgments. And be ready not only to think but also to act in favor of our people.

And look up more often to see the blue flag with the golden tamga proudly fluttering in the wind.

Bayrak kunyu hayyrly olsun!

Two flags are one country!”