The Crimean Tatars (Studies of Nationalities)

By Alan W. Fisher

Book Overview

In the most comprehensive survey of the Crimean Tatars--from the foundation of the glorious khanate in the fifteenth century to genocide and the struggle for survival in the twentieth century--Alan W. Fisher presents a detailed analysis of the culture and history of this people. The author clarifies and assesses the myriad problems inherent to a multinational society comprising more than one hundred non-Russian ethnic groups and discusses the resurgence of nationalist sentiment, the efforts of the Crimean Tatars and others to regain territorial rights lost during the Stalinist era, and the political impact these movements have on contemporary Soviet affairs.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0817966625
• ISBN13: 9780817966621
• Release Date: March 1978
• Publisher: Hoover Institution Press
• Length: 278 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

The first half is excellent

The first half, before 1783, is excellent, but too short. The post-annexation part is more detailed, somewhat pro-Tatar and drifts a bit into standard East European opression-mongering. The author sees the Crimea as the main market for Russian slaves sold into Turkey. (Khodarkovsky estimates 150-200 thousand between 1600 and 1650) Crimean and Nogay raiding prevented the southward expansion of Muskovy and kept the steppe clear for nomads. But Russia did expand, making raiding more difficult and thus accelerating Russian expansion until the Crimea was annexed and the steppe nomad society collapsed. This interpretation, if it is correct, needs a more thorough study, both as a major factor in Russian history and as an interesting social form in its own right.

One of the very few

This is book is one of the few ones about Crimean Tatars published in English. Not being a russian speaker, I always have problems finding good information resources about Crimean Tatars. This book is one of the few that fills the gap.