Russian | Tatar
If somebody asks me about my nationality, I always reply that I am mixed, my Dad is Russian and my Mum is Tatar. All of us were born and raised in Kazakhstan. Talking about religion, my Dad is Christian and my Mum is Muslim and I was baptised. However, me and my sister were raised following traditions of both religions and nationalities. My Mum’s family members are Crimean Tatars who are coming from Crimea, but during the war her Grandparents were forced to leave, so they moved to Kazakhstan, Atyrau where lately my Mum was born. My Dad was born and raised in Kazakhstan, Almaty. He moved to Atyrau after his graduation to start his career as a pilot. Meantime my Mom was working at the same airport as a flight attendant and that’s how my parents met.
Me and my sister grew up following traditions of both cultures. We always celebrate all important events from Russian and Tatar sides. And our mum always cooks Russian and Tatar dishes. For example, New Year eve is very important in our family and on the dinner table there are always Tatar and Russian food. Before 6 years old, I have spent a lot of time with my Tatar Grandma, who was telling me old Russian fairy tales but in Tatar Language. I didn’t understand them but was always listening to them with an interest. I think it doesn’t matter what race, religion, nationality of your partner is. As long as you are happy to be together and open minded to each other's cultures.
I am happy who I am. I think it's a very unique and interesting experience to have from the day I was born. To live, to follow, to share my cultures and my traditions with everyone around me. Especially now, I have been living in the UK for the last 7 years, there are so many people who have never heard of my nationality or even my country. I love inviting my friends over for dinner, cooking traditional dishes for them, telling them different history facts and stories about my cultures.
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