A working group consisting of linguists and representatives of the scientific community from the Crimean Tatar people is currently developing a spelling project for the Crimean Tatar language using the language’s alphabet based on the Latin script.

During the regular meeting of the National Commission on the Crimean Tatar Language, participants reported this. The meeting was co-chaired by Vice Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk.

The event was dedicated to International Mother Language Day and the 10th anniversary of the resistance against the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

Representatives of the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience, Tamila Tasheva, Permanent Representative of the President to the ARC, Refat Chubarov, Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, and other stakeholders participated in the meeting.

The participants considered additional steps to implement the Strategy for the Development of the Crimean Tatar Language for 2022-2032.

The State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience has developed a draft resolution to introduce an award for special contributions to the development of the Crimean Tatar language. The resolution proposes awarding up to 20 prizes of 50 thousand UAH each year, along with a diploma and a badge for the winner.

Additionally, efforts are being made to restore historical Crimean Tatar names to locations in the temporarily occupied Crimea. Currently, mechanisms are being established to enable the use of place names in Latin script on maps and signs.

During the discussion, participants addressed the violation of Crimean Tatar people’s rights to education in their native language in Crimea. The occupation administration has closed Crimean Tatar schools and classrooms, almost completely depriving them of this opportunity.

“Our priority is to preserve and develop the Crimean Tatar language. As the government, we must ensure that initiatives aimed at preserving the language are implemented. I urge all stakeholders to join this process. Together, we will prevent the disappearance of the Crimean Tatar language. Its development is crucial for Ukraine.”  Iryna Vereshchuk emphasized.