The National Consciousness of Dobrudja Tatars: A Historical Overview

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Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Zwischen rumänischer Heimat und dem Traum von der Krim : das Nationalbewusstsein der Dobrudschatataren von den Anfängen bis in die Gegenwart
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Author:

Volker Adam


Acta Orientalia:

(Founded in 1922 and published annually)

Full text available for: Zwischen rumänischer Heimat und dem Traum von der Krim : das Nationalbewusstsein der Dobrudschatataren von den Anfängen bis in die Gegenwart

Year: 2009 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5336

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The Romanian Dobrudja has been home to a small Tatar minority, comprising various ethnic subgroups such as Crimean Tatars and Nogais, for generations. This article examines the evolution of Tatar national consciousness within the Dobrudja community from its inception to the present day, highlighting the significant socio-political and cultural factors that shaped this identity. The nostalgia for Crimea as a historical homeland plays a central role in this narrative, influencing the Tatar community's aspirations and expressions of national identity.

The Emergence of Tatar National Consciousness

The rise of reform movements in the late Ottoman Empire significantly contributed to the emergence of a Tatar national consciousness in Dobrudja. As local intellectuals inspired by Young Turk philosophies advocated for modernization and active political participation, an organized national movement took shape by the late 1920s. This movement sought to cultivate a distinct Tatar identity, emphasizing their connection to the Crimea, which was long seen as the rightful homeland of all Tatar groups. The development of a Turkish-language press in Romania facilitated discussions around ethnic identity, making it a pivotal aspect of their national movement.

The Impact of Political Changes

The political landscape in Romania dramatically shifted during the communist period (1945-1989), which suppressed expressions of Tatar longing for Crimea and hindered the development of their national consciousness. Despite this, the state implemented policies that aimed to recognize the Tatar community as a distinct minority, albeit with detrimental implications for their cultural and linguistic heritage. The mandatory shift of Tatar educational materials to those aligned with the Wolga Tatars, rather than their local dialect, resulted in a disconnection from their ethnic identity and history for many community members.

Revival of Cultural Identity Post-Communism

The fall of communism in 1989 initiated a revival of Tatar cultural identity and national consciousness in Dobrudja. The establishment of the "Democratic Union of Muslim Turkish Tatars in Romania" (UDTTMR) played a critical role in advocating for Tatar rights and promoting the use of their language. Tatar literature and cultural expressions flourished as the community sought to reconnect with its history and assert its identity, leading to increased participation in regional and international cultural activities. This resurgence highlighted the Tatar community's commitment to preserving their unique linguistic and cultural heritage amid the broader Turkish and Romanian contexts.

The Role of Literature and Press

The role of literature and the press in reinforcing Tatar national consciousness cannot be overstated. Publications such as “Karadeniz” and the youth magazine “Ca” became platforms for expressing Tatar identity, discussing historical ties to Crimea, and promoting cultural solidarity with Crimea and Turkey. The integration of Tatar literature in various forms—poetry, historical analysis, and personal narratives—fostered a renewed sense of belonging and identity within the community. This literary renaissance served as a testament to the Tatar people's efforts to maintain their cultural distinctiveness in the face of assimilation pressures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Tatar national consciousness in Dobrudja has evolved significantly over the past century, shaped by historical events, political changes, and cultural revival. The continuous longing for Crimea as a homeland remains a vital element of their identity, informing their aspirations and cultural expressions. Ultimately, the determination to preserve their Tatar language and culture demonstrates the community's resilience and desire to assert their unique place within both Romanian and broader Turkic history. As we move further into the 21st century, the Dobrudja Tatars emerge as a confident ethnic group committed to their heritage, reclaiming their narrative in a complex geopolitical landscape.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the historical background of the Dobrudja Tatars?

The Dobrudja region has been home to Turkic-speaking peoples since the Middle Ages, especially Tatars, whose settlement began during Turkish migrations. The area saw significant Tatar presence, reflected in numerous Tatar cemeteries remaining even after the decline of their villages.

What role did the Tatar national movement play in Dobrudja?

The Tatar national movement in Dobrudja emerged in the late 1920s, promoting a distinct Tatar identity associated with Crimea as their historical homeland. This movement was repressed during communism but has revived since the early 1990s.

How did World War II impact the Dobrudja Tatars?

During World War II, the Tatar community faced stringent repression. Many were persecuted, and significant leaders like Necib H. Fazıl were killed, laying the groundwork for future generations to remember their cultural and national identity.

What have been the educational developments for Dobrudja Tatars since 1990?

Post-1990, there has been a revival of Tatar language education and literature production, including the establishment of cultural groups and a resurgence in Tatar publications such as the newspaper 'Karadeniz'.

What is the significance of the Crimea for the Dobrudja Tatars?

Crimea holds historical significance for the Dobrudja Tatars, as their national consciousness links strongly to it. The longing for Crimea was expressly articulated in their literature, reinforcing their cultural identity.

How did the Romanian government approach Tatar education during communism?

During the communist era, Tatar education faced obstacles. Although initially some education was in Tatar, the government imposed Romanian language instruction, which led to a decline in Tatar language acquisition.

What is the current state of Tatar identity in Dobrudja?

At the start of the 21st century, Dobrudja Tatars are actively reclaiming their cultural identity, producing literature in Tatar and engaging with both local and international Tatar communities to maintain their unique heritage.

Glossary definitions and references:

Oriental and Historical glossary list for “The National Consciousness of Dobrudja Tatars: A Historical Overview”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.

1) Krim:
Krim refers to Crimea, a significant region for the Dobrudja Tatars. They consider Crimea their historical homeland. The national consciousness among the Dobrudja Tatars centers around a longing for Crimea as their place of origin, despite living in Romania.

2) Atam:
Volker Adam is the author of the article, 'Zwischen rumänischer Heimat und dem Traum von der Krim,' which examines the national consciousness of the Dobrudja Tatars.

3) Ankara (Amkara):
Ankara is relevant as the capital of Turkey and a point of interest for the Dobrudja Tatars, particularly concerning the Turkish state policies and its relationship with the Tatar national movement in Dobrudja. Ankara's policies towards Tatars included potential resettlement plans.

4) Ging:
[see source text or glossary: Ging]

5) Language:
Language is crucial for the Dobrudja Tatars in maintaining their national identity and consciousness. They navigated between Turkish, Tatar, and Romanian languages to preserve cultural and ethnic identity. The use of Tatar language became a significant marker of their ethnic uniqueness.

6) Pari:
[see source text or glossary: Pari]

7) Consciousness:
National consciousness among the Dobrudja Tatars began forming in the late Ottoman era, fueled by movements for modernization of Muslim education and political participation. This consciousness was linked to their historical connection to Crimea and saw a revival post-1990 after being suppressed during the communist period.

8) Roman (Roma):
Roma refers to a group within the Dobrudja region who, along with Tatars, maintained Turkish as a significant language. The Roma also included Muslims who played a role in the ethnic mosaic of the region. Some Roma were also speakers of Tatar.

9) Bora:
Bora was a Tatar newspaper that appeared in the late 1930s. It played a role in the national movement among Dobruja Tatars, publishing content in Turkish, Romanian, and Tatar. The activity surrounding Bora signified the active dissemination of Tatar consciousness.

10) Yar:
Yaar Memmedemin is a poet mentioned in the context of maintaining a Crimean Tatar national consciousness. His poetry is regularly published in the 'Karadeniz' (Black Sea) journal, contributing to the cultural life of the Dobrudja Tatars.

11) Union:
The 'Demokratische Union der muslimischen Türk-Tataren Rumäniens' (UDTTMR) is an organization founded in 1990 that represents the political aspirations and cultural heritage of the Dobrudja Tatars in Romania. It emerged as a part of the revival of Tatar national consciousness.

12) Kadi:
Fevzi İbrahim İsmail served as a Kadi, an Islamic judge, and was a prominent figure in the movement to establish a Tatar national identity in Dobruja. Educational initiatives from such leaders helped solidify Tatar cultural and national consciousness.

13) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
The transformation of Dobrudja, particularly its demographic and cultural aspects, was significantly influenced by the movements of Tatars and other Turkic peoples. Such transformations were periods of intense national identity formation among the Dobrudja Tatars.

14) Literature:
Tatar literature has played a crucial role in building and maintaining the national consciousness of the Dobrudja Tatars. Authors published works in Turkish and Tatar, fostering a literary culture that underpinned their identity formation and cultural heritage.

15) Experience:
The historical experiences of the Dobrudja Tatars, including emigration pressures and cultural suppression during communism, shaped their national consciousness. Individual memories and collective experiences contribute to their historiographic literature.

16) Revolution:
The Young Turk Revolution influenced Tatar intellectuals in Dobrudja, who carried revolutionary ideas about modernizing education and participating in political life. This period marked significant shifts towards developing a modern national consciousness.

17) Spiritual:
Spiritual life among the Dobrudja Tatars, particularly through Islam, was a cornerstone of their identity. The interplay between religious and national identities was manifest in their cultural and socio-political movements.

18) Religion:
Religion, specifically Islam, deeply influenced the Dobrudja Tatars' sense of identity and communal cohesion. Mosques, religious schools, and religious leaders were central figures in maintaining their cultural and national identity.

19) Illusion:
The hope for a collapse of the Soviet Union and the creation of a free Tatar state was an illusion for many Dobrudja Tatars during World War II, as the geopolitical realities did not favor their aspirations.

20) Identity:
Ethnic and national identity were central themes for the Dobrudja Tatars as they navigated their cultural heritage. Language, literature, and historical memory were key elements that defined their unique identity against the backdrop of larger Turkish and Romanian cultures.

21) Marmara:
The Marmara University was mentioned in relation to Müstecib H. Fazıl [Ülküsal], who pursued academic work and research on Tatar national identity and history.

22) Student:
Students, particularly those from the Medgidia Seminary, were vital in spreading national consciousness and political activism among the Dobrudja Tatars. Educational reforms and the role of intellectual leaders were crucial in this process.

23) Kunde (Kumde, Kundé):
[see source text or glossary: Kunde]

24) Limba:
[see source text or glossary: Limba]

25) Meram:
[see source text or glossary: Meram]

26) Drama:
The drama faced by the Tatars in Romania under state policies, such as deportation fears and cultural suppression, significantly shaped their national consciousness and desire for cultural revival post-1990.

27) Birth:
The birth of a national movement among the Dobrudja Tatars can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, inspired by reformist and revolutionary ideas from the Ottoman Empire and the wider Turkic world.

28) House:
Seminaries and cultural houses where Tatars received education and where nationalistic ideas circulated were central to the development of Tatar identity in the Dobrudscha region.

29) Dream (Dreaming):
The dream of returning to Crimea, perceived as the historical homeland, has been a powerful element in the national consciousness of the Dobrudja Tatars, especially during periods of cultural suppression and exile.

30) Shani (Sani):
[see source text or glossary: Sani]

31) Aksu (Akshu):
[see source text or glossary: Aksu]

32) Khan:
The title of Khan has historical significance among the Tatars as it represents their leadership during the times of the Crimean Khanate. This contributed to their sense of ethnic and national identity.

33) Dank:
[see source text or glossary: Dank]

34) Jura:
Selim Abdülhakim studied Jura (law) in Bukarest and became a prominent political leader for the Dobrudja Tatars, articulating their rights and interests in the Romanian parliament.

35) Tare:
[see source text or glossary: Tare]

36) Fort:
[see source text or glossary: Fort]

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