In the course of the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union held in Tashkent, the Ukrainian delegation presented the exhibition titled «Ukrainian Cultural Heritage and Identity: Protection of Culture and Religious Freedoms». The event is dedicated to the cultural heritage of Crimea, including its tangible and intangible aspects.
The core aspect of the exhibition featured traditional crafts. The items bearing the national Crimean Tatar ornament Ornek were presented as well as highlighted the Crimean Tatar coffee culture.
According to Oleksandr Korniienko, Crimea is a unique and diverse place that historically united people from different parts of the world through cultural exchange, appreciation of nature, and leisure.
Aider Rustemov, Mufti of Crimea, Head of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea, mentioned the religious dimension of Russian aggression.
Tamila Tasheva, Co-Chair of the Inter-Factional Association «Crimean Platform», emphasized the importance of Uzbekistan for Ukraine and its largest Muslim community — the Crimean Tatars.
The exhibition emerged as a significant international event, once again highlighting the urgency of protecting cultural heritage amid war and occupation.
As part of the exhibition, a special venue titled «Letters to Free Crimea» was organized — a joint initiative by the Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, PEN Ukraine, the NGO CrimeaSOS, the NGO Crimean Process, the media initiative Crimea Daily, and the ZMINA Human Rights Center. All attendees were invited to write letters to Ukrainian citizens, particularly representatives of the Crimean Tatar people.