Exhibition dedicated to the Year of Lithuanian Tatar History and Culture opened in Chisinau
On September 30, exhibition “Lithuanian Tatars in Archive Documents” was opened at the National Museum of History of Moldova in Chisinau to commemorate the year of Lithuanian Tatar history and culture. The exhibition prepared by the Lithuanian State Historical Archives invites us to look back and get acquainted with the development of Lithuanian multinational culture.
The exhibition presents documents reflecting the history of Lithuanian Tatars, from the second half of the 16th century to this day. Lithuanian Tatars are a unique ethnic group that settled in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania more than 600 years ago, and their immigration was stimulated by the excellent conditions provided to Tatars: freedom of religion and customs was ensured, construction of mosques was allowed, and the rights of noble Tatars were equated with those of Lithuanian nobility. In Lithuania, the Tatars preserved their customs, religion and culture.
"Historical documents testify that Lithuanian Tatars made a significant contribution to the restoration of Lithuanian statehood, history and culture, that this community closely connected its life with Lithuania and became an indivisible part of state history," said Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the Republic of Moldova Kęstutis Kudzmanas during the opening ceremony.
The exhibition is complemented by a Lithuanian Television documentary about Tatar traditions and the present. The organizers of the exhibition in Moldova are the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the Republic of Moldova with partners: National Museum of History of Moldova and Institute of History of Moldova.
