Traditions:

Many of the traditions that the Tatars have are the result of years spent living among the Russians and Uzbekistanis and necessity.  Pictured here is a traditional Uzbekistani bread baking oven.  The dough is formed into discs and "slapped" onto the oven walls where they actually stick.  On the floor of the oven are burning embers of wood.  After about 4 minutes the bread is done and ready to eat.  Yum Yum

Most homes are build out of bricks and covered with concrete.  The outside walls can be quite elaborate with a variety of colors and intricate designs etched into the thin concrete layer.  The inside of the homes are decorated with hand woven rugs and tapestry.  The walls of this home are about 18" thick and provide a cool environment against the summer heat and insulation during the winter months.  

Most homes have an indoor cooking area and an outdoor cooking area similar to the one pictured on the left.  The outdoor area is used during the summer months when it's hot and especially active during the harvest time when many of the foods that are to be eaten during the winter months are canned then stored in cellars.  Notice the propane tanks?  Propane tanks are found around most of the homes I visited and used for fueling the stove and water heaters.  Also, each person (young or old) has at least three pairs of shoes, one indoor (slippers) and two outdoor (galoshes or slippers, and everyday walking shoes).  At one home we counted 33 pairs of shoes lined up on the steps of the home as visitors took off their outdoor shoes and traded them for slippers if they were available.  It's not uncommon for your slippers to be worn by another guest who comes to the home.  No one seemed to mind, the one missing the shoes, slips on another pair.  I considered why this practice exists and remembering the bathroom situation, the practice of trading indoor and outdoor shoes is great!!  In reality, the removal of outdoor shoes before entering someone's home is a sign of respect for that person's property.

Although there are a couple of McDonalds restaurants located in Simferopol, I didn't see a time where McDonalds or any other restaurant was anywhere near full.  Most meals are prepared in the home.  This woman is preparing a traditional Tatar meal called Ashe.  The dough is made and rolled out by hand.  Boxed goods are a rarity, and even the cakes are made from scratch.  The benefit is that everything is prepared without additives or preservatives, money is not spent on non-nutritional foods, and I didn't see any obese Tatar women despite the predominance of fried foods and pastas and sweets in their diet. 

This foto is a view of traditional Tataran dancers performing in Simferopol.  The dance told a story about the selection of spouses.  It was vibrant, comical at times and a reminder of history past.  Children participated too.

The clothing items pictured left have all been hand sewn and embroidered.  The two coffee cups are remnants of the time of the Tzars and the round puter dish is used to keep warm Chiberek - a traditional dish.

So here is the finished product.  Beautiful, huh?  All of the women's caps used to be covered in gold coins, and all the jewelry was gold.  The Tatars were once a thriving and wealthy society.

Times have certainly changed.