By Liliya Emirsaliyeva
The exhibition presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Washingtonians to view a collection of 15 rare reproductions of European paintings created between the 18th and 19th centuries—many of which have never been publicly displayed and exist only in private collections. These works capture authentic scenes of Crimean Tatar life, culture, and architecture before significant historical changes altered the region’s landscape.
The exhibition presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Washingtonians to view a collection of 15 rare reproductions of European paintings created between the 18th and 19th centuries—many of which have never been publicly displayed and exist only in private collections. These works capture authentic scenes of Crimean Tatar life, culture, and architecture before significant historical changes altered the region’s landscape.
These paintings serve as time capsules, offering visitors a glimpse into a vibrant and sophisticated culture that many Americans may be unfamiliar with,” says Dr. Zera Mustafaieva, President of the Crimean Tatar Foundation USA and the exhibition’s organizer, who also serves as a scholar at Purdue University. “The European artists who created these works were essentially documentarians, capturing a way of life that has endured despite tremendous challenges.
Exhibition Highlights:
Historical Masterpieces: Reproductions of works by renowned artists who traveled to Crimea in the 18th-19th centuries, including Carlo Bossoli’s “Khan’s Palace” and and vilage Kucuk Lambat by Christophe Miville.
UNESCO-Recognized Heritage: Items representing cultural traditions protected under UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list
Ancient Coinages: Rare numismatic collection featuring coins from the 15th-16th century Crimean Khanate
Traditional Crafts: Exquisite women’s filigree jewelry showcasing the influence of Silk Road traditions
Cultural Artifacts: Collectible porcelain dolls “Karashaysky” in traditional costumes, illustrating the Crimean Tatar culture.
Household Treasures: 19th-century artifacts including traditional coffee pot (jezve), grinders from 19th-centuries, Chagyrych from 18th-centuries and other items that have survived historical upheavals
The exhibition goes beyond mere display, offering an immersive cultural experience. Attendees will engage directly with Crimean Tatar heritage through interactive installations, multimedia presentations, and guided explorations that animate centuries of indigenous Ukrainian cultural traditions.
The event coincides with the American Coalition for Ukraine Week (April 6-10, 2025), adding a rich cultural dimension to ongoing policy discussions. Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Oksana Markarova, will attend the opening ceremony at the Ukrainian House, highlighting the diplomatic significance of this cultural showcase.
“This exhibition represents more than artistic appreciation—it embodies our commitment to preserving cultural memory through beauty and truth,” explains the Crimean Tatar Foundation vice president Zarema Mustafaieva. “We extend a warm invitation to Washington’s diplomatic corps, cultural attachés, art connoisseurs, historians, journalists, and anyone fascinated by discovering extraordinary cultural narratives to join us for what promises to be a memorable evening of cultural revelation.”
Event Details:
“Crimean Tatar Heritage: Indigenous People of Ukraine in Painting Masterpieces”
Date: April 8, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Ukrainian House, 2134 Kalorama Rd NW, Washington, DC 20008
Admission: Free
The exhibition is organized by the Crimean Tatar Foundation USA and held under the distinguished patronage of the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, with the generous support of the Ukraine House and the American Coalition for Ukraine. Principal sponsor: Nazly Law.
For more information, contact: info@crimeantatarfoundation.org