Purdue, Greater Lafayette community invited to attend Crimean Tatar Art Exhibition at John Martinson Honors College
The John Martinson Honors College at Purdue University is hosting an ethnographic exhibition titled “Crimea Heritage: The Crimean Tatar People in Masterpieces of Painting” from Sept. 26 through Oct. 3, 2024. This event, presented in collaboration with the Crimean Tatar Foundation USA, aims to immerse visitors in the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous Crimean Tatar people of Ukraine.
The exhibition will be displayed at the Innovation Forum, located at 1101 3rd Street, West Lafayette. The opening event is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 26.
“This exhibition represents a unique opportunity for the American public to experience the rich cultural tapestry of the indigenous people of Ukraine — Crimean Tatars,” wrote Zera and Zarema Mustafaieva, presidents of the Crimean Tatar Foundation USA and Ukrainian scholars at Purdue University. “Our goal is to create a living, breathing showcase of a culture that has been an integral part of Crimea’s history for centuries.”
The exhibition will feature photographic reproductions and artistic interpretations inspired by historical paintings from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Visitors will also be able to engage with traditional Crimean Tatar artifacts and costumes, live demonstrations of music, dance and culinary arts, including the intricate art of Ornek pattern-making and the rhythmic “Haytarma” dance. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste traditional Crimean Tatar coffee and desserts.
One of several items that will be on display at an exhibition from Sept. 26-Oct. 3.
“We’ve designed this as more than just a visual experience,” the Mustafaievas added. “It’s an immersive journey that engages all the senses, allowing visitors to truly connect with Crimean Tatar heritage.”
The exhibition is part of Purdue University’s ongoing commitment to cultural education and diversity, fostering greater understanding of the Crimean Tatar people, their history and their contributions to global culture.
For more information, high-resolution images, or to schedule an interview, please contact Zarema Mustafaieva.
About the John Martinson Honors College at Purdue University: Purdue’s JMHC aims to create and foster well-rounded, well-educated global leaders. We work to create student leaders on campus who impact society from their very first semester. Our four pillars, or primary tenets, are interdisciplinary academics, undergraduate research, community and global experience and leadership development.
About Crimean Tatar Foundation USA: The Crimean Tatar Foundation USA is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Crimean Tatar cultural heritage in the United States and beyond.
Note: All artworks presented are photographic reproductions or artistic interpretations inspired by historical paintings. This exhibition does not claim to display original artworks.
Andrea Mattingly
Director of Communication for Teaching and Learning, andrea@purdue.edu