New Books Network Decolonizing Ukraine: The Indigenous People of Crimea and Pathways to Freedom
Jul 10, 2025
Dr. Greta Lynn Uehling, an anthropologist and professor at the University of Michigan, shares profound insights into the experiences of Crimea's Indigenous peoples under Russian occupation since 2014. She discusses their cultural resilience, the impact of displacement, and the evolving identity of the Crimean Tatars. Highlighting their struggle for freedom, Uehling reveals the significance of personal narratives in understanding the broader context of Ukraine's fight for autonomy and the intersection of environmental concerns and indigenous knowledge amidst conflict.
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Immersive Language Study in Crimea
- Greta Uehling lived in Crimea for over a year in the late 90s to study the Crimean Tatars.
- Learning Crimean Tatar enabled her to deeply participate in daily life and understand their unique cultural connection to the land.
1944 Deportation's Lasting Impact
- In 1944, Soviet authorities forcibly deported all Crimean Tatars, causing massive suffering and death.
- This genocide and erasure deeply shape Crimean Tatar perspectives on Ukraine and Russia today.
Alchemy of Adversity in Displacement
- Forced displacement pervades every aspect of life including language and culture.
- Crimean Tatars show remarkable resilience, creatively using displacement as an opportunity for growth and cultural flourishing.
