Turkey continues to eliminate the problems that Crimean Tatars face and supports steps to maintain their national identity, ensure security and well -being. This was stated by the representative of the Turkish Foreign Ministry Tanzhu Bilgich, commenting on Thursday the topic of forced expulsion from the historical lands of the Crimean Tatars and Circassians.
The diplomat recalled that 79 years ago, Crimean Tatars were forcibly expelled from their native lands and subjected to inhuman deportation. “Some of our compatriots died during the deportation or died upon arrival in the expulsion area. Our compatriots continued the struggle for their rights, although the incident could not return to their native houses for decades,” Bilgich said.
According to him, Turkey continues today to ensure the rights of the Crimean Tatar people.
The representative of the Turkish Foreign Ministry commented on further the topic of the 159th anniversary of the compulsory expulsion of Circassians from his native lands in the Caucasus.
The diplomat recalled that this Caucasian people were forcibly expelled from their native lands. Circassians in severe conditions suffered heavy losses. This tragedy, the anniversary of which is honored annually on May 21, emphasized the diplomat.
“We share the pain of our compatriots from the Crimean Tatars, as well as the fraternal peoples of the Caucasus. We respectly bow their heads in memory of the dead in the tragic events that left an indelible mark in our memory,” Bilgich said.