After 50 years of exile, young Crimean Tatars once again perform traditional dance in the courtyard of the Khan's palace. Bahcesaray, Crimea (Ukraine)
Courtyard of the Khan's palace with the Khan Cami (Khan Mosque in the background). Bahcesaray (the Khan's capital city).
19th century depiction of the Demir Kapi entrance to the Khan's palace. Bahcesaray
The author in front of the Demir Kapi
Depiction of Demir Kapi door during late Medieval Period
19th century depiction of the Khan's Palace (Khan Saray), Bahcesaray
Early Crimean Tatar nationalists in front of the 'Demir Kapi' (Iron Portal), ceremonial entrance to the Khan's Palace. Bahcesaray, Crimea
View into the courtyard of the Khan's Palace, Bahcesaray. Crimea
Entrance to the Khan's palace
Turban-capped marbel tomb of royal member of the Khan's Giray dynasty. Khan's palace
Overview of the Khan's Palace. The Khan Saray complex is the last remaining palace of the Mongol-Tatar Golden Horde
19th century depiction of entrance to the Khan Saray palace complex. Bahcesaray
Traditional Crimean Tatar cottages. Simferopol. Crimea
White washed Crimean Tatar house. Simferopol
White washed Crimean Tatar house. Simferopol
View of the Yaliboyu mountains near Yalta on the southern shore
View of south coast of Crimea from the 13th century Genoese fortress at Sudak
View of Sudak harbor from fortress
19th century view of Gozleve (Evpatoriia). Eastern port on the Crimea
The author with a descendent of Numan Celebi Cihan (the exectuted 1st president of the Crimean Tatars). Cuma Cami Mosque
19th century depiction of Crimean Tatar Muslims in prayer. Karasu Bazar
The Shirinsky Cliffs overlooking Karasu Bazaar. The Crimean Khans were ceremoniously recognized by their subjects here.
Crimean Tatars of the stepped villages of the south Crimean coastal mountains. Photo taken days prior to their brutal deportation
In 1944 Josef Stalin deported the Crimean Tatar population from their homeland to Central Asia. Only known photo
Depiction of the horrors of the deportation by Crimean Tatar artist Rustem Eminov
Artist rendering of the deportation which led to the death of close to one third of the Crimean Tatar population
Following their unjust deportation the Tatars led a 45 year struggle to return home. Among their imprisoned leaders were Reshat Dezhemilev
The Crimean Tatars were led back from exile by Mustafa Dzhemilev who is now Crimean Tatar Kurultay (Parliament) President. Released from Soviet jails under pressure from Ronald Reagan
Upon returning from exile to their Crimean homeland, the Crimean Tatars storm the Crimean Parliament building demanding equal rights and land (1992)
MIL 24 HIND Gunship, Kiev, Ukraine
