The Tampere Turkish Society

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The Tampere Turkish Society (Tatar: Tampere Türkler Birligi, Finnish: Tampereen Turkkilainen Yhdistys) was a society of Finnish Tatars that operated mainly during the years 1935 - 1950 in the city of Tampere. Its purpose was to maintain and develop their linguistic, religious and cultural identity.^[1]

Background[]

A contributor in Finnish Tatar circles, teacher/artist Gibadulla Murtasin who came to Tampere in 1923, wrote during those times for writer/publisher Ayaz Ishaki's magazine called "" about the life of Muslims in Tampere (who then were mainly Tatars). In 1931 he wrote about how the younger generation of their community wasn't getting enough education on their culture and religion. Murtasin stated, that they have to establish their own society/congregation so that they don't lose their identity in the new home of theirs.^[1]

In year 1935's issue of the same magazine, Gibadulla Murtasin wrote that at the end of the previous year, the women of their community had formed an association called "" (Young Ladies' Association). In January 1935 it organized a celebration during Ramadan, where an active member of their community, held a speech. In her speech, she emphasized how establishing their own society would create interest in their peoples history and culture and thus hope for the future. During that night, in the hall where the celebration was held, the flag of Idel-Ural was seen on the stage. When the audience saw it, they stood up and yelled "Yeşesın!" (Hurrah!).^[1]

Establishing the society[]

The Tampere Turkish Society was registered in July 1935.^[1]

Afterwards, the members of the society have described it as being a very important aspect in conserving and developing their linguistic, religious and cultural life. A job that is nowadays operated by The Tampere Islamic Congregation.^[1]

The society arranged for the Muslims in Tampere different kinds of religious and cultural events. Many Muslims from other parts of the country took part as well. Gibadulla Murtasin, the man who had previously written about the subject, was a very important contributor in forming the society and in arranging its events.^[1]

The society had many chairmen, for example: the above-mentioned Murtasin, Semiulla Wafin, Ymär Sali and Aisa Hakimcan.^[1]

More information[]

The cultural formations among the community, especially during the first half of 1900s mainly used the name "Turkish" instead of "Tatar". This was one of the clearest examples of how the earlier generations of Finnish Tatars identified themselves as "Turks", which was mostly because the name Tatar was considered a Russian epithet with a bad connotation. The national spirit of Kemal Atatürk and cold ties to the country they originated from also played a part.^[2]

Other similar establishments have been Suomen Turkkilaisten Seura (Finlandiya Türkleri Birligi, FTB) and Turun Turkkilainen Yhdistys (Turku Türkler Birligi).^[2]

Literature[]

• Muazzez Baibulat: The Tampere Islamic Congregation: the Roots and History (in finnish, tatar and english) Gummerus Kirjapaino Oy, 2004. ISBN 952-91-6753-9.
• Kadriye Bedretdin (reporter): Tugan Tel: Kirjoituksia Suomen Tataareista. Suomen Itämainen Seura, 2011. ISBN 978-951-9380-78-0.

References[]