In the gripping aftermath of Russia''s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Crimean peninsula became a battleground not just for geopolitical dominance but also for the very identity of its people. Before the world witnessed the full-scale invasion, the Crimean Tatars, an indigenous group, found themselves at the heart of a ruthless occupation. This riveting narrative unveils the untold stories of the Crimean Tatars, shedding light on their struggle for survival and identity in the face of Russian-backed authorities. Branded as "polite people," the Russian operatives orchestrated a swift and brutal crackdown on dissent, leaving the Crimean Tatars grappling with loss and dispossession.

In each chapter, this book immerses readers in different facets of the Crimean Tatars'' journey—from resisting oppression to undergoing personal transformation. It argues that, contrary to being passive victims, the Crimean Tatars seized the occupation as an opportunity to challenge the established narrative of Soviet oppression.

Through poignant narratives of those who both remained and were displaced, the book traces the Crimean Tatars'' path towards a new sense of belonging in Ukraine and reveals the complexity of occupation and displacement, demonstrating how the Crimean Tatars, while losing a way of life, discovered new ways of being in the world. As their narratives unfold, a compelling story emerges—one of resilience, transformation, and ultimately, the unwavering pursuit of freedom.