Collective memory and identity among the Crimean Tatars: Deportation, occupation and war

Collective memory holds vital importance for a nation's understanding of its past experiences and the assessment of their ongoing impact. In the case of the Crimean Tatars, historical experiences serve not only as a means of remembering the past but also as a fundamental element in reinforcing identity and a sense of belonging. In this context, collective memory functions as a crucial tool both in ensuring cultural continuity and in sustaining hope for the future. Although recent years have witnessed a growing number of studies on the Crimean Tatars, the majority of these works predominantly focus on historical aspects, while sociocultural dimensions such as identity, collective memory, and social structure remain relatively underexplored. This study aims to address this gap in the literature. In this study, the in-depth interview (semi-structured) technique was employed as a qualitative research method. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 participants between the ages of 18 and 65, and the findings were interpreted in line with the theoretical framework of the study. The research findings demonstrate that, in the face of both historical and contemporary challenges, the preservation and intergenerational transmission of collective memory play an indispensable role in maintaining national identity among the Crimean Tatars. Keywords: Crimea, Crimean Tatars, Collective Memory, Identity, Belonging.