By Mustafaieva Zera
The film, which depicts the forced exail of Crimean Tatars from their historical homeland in 1944, drew a diverse audience of students and faculty. For many viewers, it was their first encounter with the horrifying events that took place 80 years ago.
“Haytarma,” directed by Akhtem Seitablaiev, chronicles the systematic expulsion of Crimean Tatars by the Soviet regime from their ancestral land. The screening aimed to educate and raise awareness about this little-known and terrible genocide, which resulted in the deaths of nearly half of the Crimean Tatar people (46,2%).
Dr. Stacey Connaughton, (Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin) Director of the Purdue Policy Research Institute (PPRI), emphasized the importance of such events. “It’s crucial that we confront these historical atrocities,” she said. “Understanding the past is key to preventing similar tragedies in the future.”
The film screening comes at a time of heightened global tensions, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine involving Russia.
Organizers hope that by shedding light on past injustices, they can foster a better understanding of the long-term consequences of totalitarianism and colonialism.
Following the screening, a panel discussion featuring historians and Crimean Tatar activists “Crimean Tatar Foundation” provided context and answered questions from the audience. Many attendees expressed shock at the scale of the atrocity and its relative obscurity in Western historical narratives.
“I had no idea about this history,” said Prudence Mbah, a doctoral candidate in Communication at Purdue University’s Brian Lamb School of Communication. “It’s eye-opening and makes you question what other stories we might be missing.”
The event organizers view this screening as part of a broader effort to disseminate information about the Crimean Tatar genocide. They hope that increased awareness will lead to greater international recognition and support for the Crimean Tatar people, who continue to face challenges today.
As the world grapples with ongoing wars, conflicts, and human rights issues, events like this serve as a reminder of the power of cinema to educate, inspire, and promote dialogue about complex historical truths.
The Crimean Tatar Foundation USA’s educational initiative across American universities represents more than historical commemoration. As Russia’s current war against Ukraine continues, these historical patterns resonate with renewed urgency.
The Crimean Tatar Foundation USA plans to continue raising awareness about these interconnected tragedies across American universities. “Understanding the full scope of Soviet genocidal policies against both Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars is crucial for preventing future atrocities,” said president of the Crimean tatar Foundation USA, Zera Mustafaieva. “These weren’t isolated incidents, but part of a broader campaign of destruction that continues to echo in today’s conflicts.”
This action at Purdue University represents a growing awareness among American academic institutions about the complex layers of genocide in Ukraine’s history, marking an important step in recognizing historical injustices that continue to resonate in contemporary global conflicts.
The film, which depicts the forced exail of Crimean Tatars from their historical homeland in 1944, drew a diverse audience of students and faculty. For many viewers, it was their first encounter with the horrifying events that took place 80 years ago.