Rustem Osman Oglu Muedin, the Oldest Crimean Tatar Writer Passes Away

25 January 2011

Rustem Osman Oglu Muedin, the oldest writer both in Crimea and Ukraine, who made his first steps in literature 75 years ago, passed away.

He had had many difficulties to contend with and suffered many hardships. The Soviet regime deprived him not only of his Homeland, but the possibility to do his favorite literature work. The talented writer had to do his living working as a simple loader, a locksmith, a driver, a photographer and a builder.

The return to his homeland was the return to the literary life for him. Here in his native land he worked a lot, trying himself in different genres. Except for the stories he wrote poetry, drama and short stories. His pen had no respite. The writer as though wanted to pay his duty to his people – the works that he couldn’t write in exile.

R. Muedin was born on July 1919 in Simferopol. Along with his brother – one of the founders of the national movement in diaspora 1950-1990 Memet Sevdiyar he studied in the famous school # 13. In 1939-1944 Rustem Memetov served in the Red Army, took part in the defense of Moscow, the Caucasus and liberation of Crimea.

However, instead of the gratitude the authorities discharged the defender of the country and exiled him to Tashkent region of Uzbekistan. There in Yangijul town he couldn’t employ to a decent work. He couldn’t write. The reason was his brother who lived in US and took an active part in the national movement. Rustem Muedin was under the KGB watch.

Nevertheless, R.Muedin didn’t give up. In 1972 he could publish his story, titled “Destiny”. After his return to Crimea he published such stories as “Ana Qaygysy” (Mother’s Grief) (1995), “Qatmerly Qaderler” (Terry Destinies) (1999). In 2009 Rustem Muedin wrote his novel, titled “Agyr Takidiler” (Hard Destinies) (2009).

In 1993-1996 he worked in the editorial office of the newspaper “Qirim” and published his sharp articles on the most burning issues. Two years ago the Crimean Tatar Academic Musical and Drama Theatre staged his play, titled “Ever Shinning Stars”.

Rustem Muedin, undoubtedly made a great contribution to the development of Crimean Tatar literature.

We express our deepest condolences to his daughter, sons, relatives and friends.

Allah rakhmet eylisin!

Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People