New Books Network Greta Lynn Uehling, "Decolonizing Ukraine: The Indigenous People of Crimea and Pathways to Freedom" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2025)
May 24, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Greta Lynn Uehling, a cultural anthropologist from the University of Michigan, reveals the complex narratives surrounding the Crimean Tatars under Russian occupation. She highlights their transformation from victimization to empowerment and dives into the psychological impacts of displacement. Uehling also explores how music, particularly ‘1944’ by Jamala, reshapes public perception and fosters empathy in Ukraine. Ultimately, her insights emphasize the resilience and struggle for self-determination among Indigenous people in Crimea.
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Crimea's Indigenous Majority History
- Crimea was predominantly inhabited by Crimean Tatars before 18th-century Russian colonization.
- Russian and Ukrainian presence rose significantly only after the 19th century Crimean Wars.
Claiming Homeland Under Occupation
- A Crimean Tatar woman refused to hide from Russian neighbors, asserting Crimea as her ancestral home.
- She challenged Russian colonial narratives using the Socratic method despite living under occupation.
Indigenous Status vs. Minority Label
- Indigeneity in Crimea entails historical and legal recognition vital for restoring rights.
- Labeling Crimean Tatars as a minority denies them self-determination rights embedded in indigeneity.
