Erdogan Reaffirms Support for Crimean Tatars on Exile Anniversary

(MENAFN) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated Türkiye’s continued support for Crimean Tatars in the international arena, marking the 82nd anniversary of their deportation, according to reports.

Writing on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Erdogan said Türkiye and the Turkish people will continue to stand by their “Crimean brothers and sisters” and defend their rights globally.

“It should not be forgotten that, as Türkiye and the Turkish nation, we will continue to stand by our Crimean brothers and sisters and defend their rights in the international arena,” he said.

He also expressed sorrow over the mass exile of Crimean Tatars in 1944 and offered condolences for those who died during the deportation.

“We remember with sorrow the great losses suffered by our Crimean Tatar Turkish brothers and sisters, who were exiled from their homeland 82 years ago, and I pray for Allah’s mercy upon our kin who were martyred during the exile,” he added.

The remarks came on the anniversary of the 1944 Soviet-era deportation ordered under Joseph Stalin, when tens of thousands of Crimean Tatars were forcibly removed to parts of Central Asia, including Siberia and Uzbekistan. Many died due to starvation and harsh conditions during the exile period, according to historical accounts.

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