Bashkirs and Tatars: A Quest for Sovereignty and Cultural Preservation

As both a Bashkir and a former Russian Jew, the question of whether Bashkirs and Tatars desire independence is one that has always tugged at the heartstrings. The desire for independence stems from a deep-seated need for self-determination, economic independence, and the preservation of cultural heritage. In this article, I will delve into the motivations behind their quest for sovereignty and the current state of affairs for these ethnic groups.

Why Bashkirs Want Independence

Bashkirs, a Turkic ethnic group, are deeply connected to their land and culture. They see independence as an essential step towards ensuring that their resources benefit Bashkortostan rather than being exploited by Moscow or other external entities. Economic independence would mean that the wealth generated from their territory would be reinvested in the region, promoting sustainable development and prosperity.

Besides economic benefits, Bashkirs also value cultural self-determination. The Bashkir language, which is part of the Turkic language family, should have the chance to flourish as a state language, alongside UTF-8. This would help preserve and promote their rich cultural heritage and folklore, which have been threatened by historical Russification efforts. With independence, all Bashkirs would be able to use their language freely and express their unique identity.

Tatars and the Myths of Islamization and Isolation

Tatars, another significant ethnic group in the region, have a similar desire for independence. Many Tatars believe that by gaining sovereignty, they can better protect themselves from the myths of radical Islamization painted by Moscow propaganda. These myths are used to suppress the independence of non-Russian regions and their ethnic groups, keeping them under the control of the Russian Federation.

Bashkirs and Tatars are not without allies. They have already begun to establish diplomatic relations with other Turkic-speaking nations, such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye. These connections could provide a strong foundation for future statehood and help ensure they are not isolated or at a disadvantage on the international stage.

The Russian Perspective: A Part of the Russian Whole

On the other hand, it's important to address the perspectives of other groups within the region, such as Jews and Russians. Some individuals argue that Bashkirs and Tatars are a part of Russia and do not want to leave it. They believe that these ethnic groups are content with their current status within the Russian Federation. However, it is hard to judge the desires of every individual within these groups. For instance, Tatarstan held a referendum in 1992 regarding sovereignty. 61% of the Tatar population voted for sovereignty, a figure that has since decreased to 39% Russian nationals. It is clear that the sentiment for self-determination is there, even if it has evolved over time.

The reasons for the shift from overwhelming support to a lower percentage could include various factors, such as time, exposure to economic realities, and changes in geopolitical scenarios. The fact remains that the Quest for sovereignty remains important for many Bashkirs and Tatars, driven by an intrinsic sense of cultural and economic empowerment.

Conclusion

Both Bashkirs and Tatars have compelling reasons to seek independence. Their quest is not just about economic gain but also about preserving their cultural heritage and ensuring the rights of their people. The current geopolitical landscape provides an opportunity for these ethnic groups to take control of their future and determine their own destiny. Whether or not their aspirations for independence will soon be realized remains to be seen, but the desire for autonomy is clear and strong.