QA-37, 18 May 2019, Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hami Aksoy, in Response to a Question Regarding the Anniversary of the Crimean Tatar and Circassian Exiles

On the night of 17-18 May 1944, approximately 250.000 Crimean Tatars torned away from their motherland. Tens of thousands of Crimean Tatars perished under the inhumane circumstances of this exile, carried out 75 years ago. Many of them passed away in exile under harsh conditions, yearning for their homeland.

As it is known, 21 May is commemorated as the anniversary of the “Circassian Exile” tragedy. The pain of this tragedy is still alive, even today.

We share the pain of our kinsmen, the Crimean Tatars, as well as brotherly peoples of the Caucasus and respectfully honour the memory of those lost their lives during these exiles.