Latest news with #Tatar
Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Times
US recognition of a Russian Crimea ‘would only embolden Putin'
T he United States's recognition of Crimea as Russian as part of a peace deal would incentivise the Kremlin to invade other states, the figurehead of the peninsula's Tatar ethnic group has said. In an interview with The Times at his home in Kyiv, where he lives in exile after his homeland was annexed by Russia eleven years ago, Mustafa Dzhemilev, criticised the reversal of America's policy on the fate of the peninsula under President Trump. One of Dzhemilev's prized possessions is a signed declaration from Mike Pompeo, then secretary of state, on behalf of the US government, rejecting the Russian annexation of his native Crimea and 'pledging to maintain this policy until Ukraine's territory is restored'.
New Straits Times
01-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kazan, the city everyone confuses but no one forgets
THINK Kazan, think… Kazakhstan? Think again. It's a mix-up so common that even the locals have learned to smile through it. Ask someone about Kazan and you're likely to be met with a puzzled tilt of the head, followed by: "Oh, you mean Kazakhstan?" "I used to study in the United States," a young Tatar woman once confided to me over a decade ago during my first visit to this riverside city. "Every time I told people I was from Kazan, they thought I was misspelling Kazakhstan. After a while, I stopped correcting them." Her story remains vivid, a reminder of Kazan's quiet anonymity on the global stage. But if recent years are anything to go by, that's slowly beginning to change. From hosting six matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup to becoming the annual site for the KazanForum — an international platform for economic, cultural, and interfaith dialogue — Kazan is beginning to raise its voice. Yet, global recognition still lags behind its rich history and unique identity. Situated along the banks of the Volga River, Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan, one of Russia's federal republics. Its culture and character are shaped by a distinctive Tatar Muslim majority living alongside a significant Russian Orthodox population. The result is a city where mosque minarets rise beside cathedral spires, and streets echo with both the call to prayer and the peal of church bells. "When I first saw 'Kazan' on our assignment schedule, I thought it was Kazakhstan," admits photographer Syarifah Nurzulaikha Syed Zainuzam with a sheepish laugh, adding: "I didn't even realise it was part of Russia." The confusion, however, isn't entirely unfounded. Kazan shares Turkic roots and Islamic traditions with Central Asia. Its language, food and cultural touchpoints often feel closer to cities like Samarkand or Tashkent than Moscow. And yet, politically and geographically, it stands apart. For first-time visitors, the transition from Moscow's imposing grandeur to Kazan's laid-back rhythm is striking. "It's calmer here," Syarifah observes, adding happily: "The skies seem bluer, and everything moves at a gentler pace. It's a dream for photographers." Much of Kazan's magic lies in its duality. The Kazan Kremlin, a Unesco World Heritage site, encapsulates this perfectly. Within its white-stone walls, the Qol Sharif Mosque — one of the largest in Russia — stands mere steps from the 16th-century Annunciation Cathedral. The cityscape reads like a visual diary of peaceful coexistence. About 54 per cent of Tatarstan's population is Muslim, predominantly ethnic Tatars, and roughly 40 per cent are Russian Orthodox Christians. Together, they create a religious and cultural tapestry that feels increasingly rare in today's divided world. Even Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during his recent visit, noted Kazan's harmonious spirit. "The way Islam and Christianity coexist here is something the world can learn from," he remarked after touring the Kremlin grounds. For RTM news producer Tun Julia Mohd Tahir, the city initially conjured images of Uzbekistan. "When I first got the assignment, I had to do a bit of Googling," admits the 43-year-old, adding: "Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia… I wasn't sure how it all fits together. I expected it to feel like Central Asia." In some ways, it does. Traditional Tatar timber houses with ornate window frames dot the city's outskirts, while markets bustle with vendors selling dried fruits, nuts and chak-chak, a honey-drizzled Tatar pastry. Yet at the same time, Kazan boasts the clean, orderly streets and pastel-hued facades of a European capital. It's this seamless blend of East and West, old and new, that gives the city its distinctive pulse. What you won't find is the frantic buzz of Istanbul or the commercial gloss of Dubai. And for many, that's precisely the appeal. "I used to live in Turkmenistan," shares Sharipah Hunaini Syed Ismail, second deputy executive editor at Bernama. "And this place reminds me of that time. The language, the people — even the way they speak Russian feels familiar. I even managed to get a discount at a souvenir shop using the word skidka!" she adds, chuckling heartily. A CITY FOR WANDERERS Kazan is best discovered on foot. Bauman Street, the city's main pedestrian thoroughfare, comes alive in the evenings. Musicians strum guitars, children chase pigeons around fountains and street performers draw spontaneous crowds. Ice cream stalls and cafes spill onto the cobbled lanes, their tables filled with young couples and families. "It's not any one monument that makes you fall for Kazan," muses Tun Julia, watching a group of children playfully splash each other near a public fountain. "It's the small moments, the friendliness of strangers, the calm. Malaysians would love it here. It's different, but it's not difficult." While halal food is available across the city — with restaurants often displaying halal signage and some even providing prayer rooms — options aren't as abundant or convenient as in Kuala Lumpur. Still, for Muslim travellers seeking destinations beyond the usual, Kazan offers a rare kind of authenticity. Here, nothing feels manufactured or packaged for tourists. BUILDING BRIDGES Tatarstan isn't just betting on tourism. It is one of four pilot regions in Russia developing an Islamic banking system. The autonomous republic has also been actively expanding its halal economy with help from global partners, including Malaysia. During his meeting with Tatarstan president Rustam Minnikhanov, Anwar welcomed the region's interest in Islamic finance and discussed enhancing cooperation in the halal industry. The premier also made a timely pitch. "We hope Russian airlines can resume direct flights to Kuala Lumpur as soon as possible," he told reporters during the Moscow leg of his visit. Such a move, he added, would not only boost tourism, but also strengthen business and cultural ties between the two countries. Kazan may not roll off the tongue as quickly as Rome or Paris. But that's part of what makes it special. It's a city that invites discovery, not demand attention. A place where you might arrive by mistake, but leave with intention. As Syarifah puts it, chuckling with mirth: "We came here confused, but we're definitely leaving impressed." In a world of destinations chasing hashtags and headlines, Kazan is a rare thing — a city that stays true to itself. It's a place where faiths live side by side not for spectacle, but because they always have. It's a place where a street musician's gentle chords and the call to prayer rise into the same evening air. Where you arrive thinking you're passing through a forgotten corner of Russia, and leave realising you've stumbled upon one of its best-kept secrets.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ex-Red Wing Tomas Tatar Signs in Switzerland
Nov 2, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Red Wings left wing Tomas Tatar (21) skates with the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: (Marc DesRosiers, Imagn Images) Former Detroit Red Wing Tomas Tatar has inked a two-year contract with EV Zug of the Swiss National League, seemingly signaling the end of a 14-year NHL career for the Czech scoring forward. Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. Tatar spent the first seven years of his NHL career with the Red Wings, accruing 115 goals and 107 assists for 222 points in 407 games. He was ultimately traded to the Vegas Golden Knights at the 2018 Trade Deadline for a first, second, and third round draft pick (that first would become Joe Veleno). Advertisement After Vegas, Tatar made stops in Montreal, Colorado, Seattle, and enjoyed two tenures in New Jersey, including what seems to have been his final NHL season—seven goals, 10 assists in 74 games this year for the Devils. Trending Red Wings Stories Could Aaron Ekblad Help the Detroit Blue Line? Can Ex-Red Wings Coach Blashill Turn it Around in Chicago? Former Coach Derek Lalonde Discusses Red Wings Exit Kasper Enjoying Star Turn as Austria Marches Through Worlds With His Days in Toronto Likely Numbered, Could Mitch Marner Be a Missing Piece to the Red Wings Puzzle? From a Red Wings perspective, Tatar was part of a generation of players that (through no fault of its own) couldn't manage to live up to the lofty standard Detroit had set for itself, amidst a steady exodus of Hall of Fame–caliber talent. Advertisement After 14 seasons, Tatar played 927 games, scoring 227 goals and providing 269 assists for 496 points. That he's just shy of a few milestones (1,000 games played and 500 points) suggests perhaps Tatar might harbor fantasies of a return to fight across those lines or perhaps Tatar is satisfied with the work he's done and keen to continue his career in Europe. Do you have a favorite memory of Tatar in Detroit? If so, let us know in the comments. Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Devils' Winger Signs Multi-Year Contract In Switzerland
The 2024-25 season wasn't always easy for veteran winger Tomas Tatar. In his first stint with the New Jersey Devils, he found success on the team's top line, playing with Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer. He potted 20 goals and 48 points and was an asset to the Devils. Advertisement His second stint was a bit more challenging. Under head coach Sheldon Keefe, Tatar spent the majority of the season in the bottom six and found himself scratched at certain points. "(It was) tough," he said during his exit interview. "Definitely played a different role than I am used to. The role was not to be productive but to help the team gain momentum. So, something very new for me." Appearing in 74 games, Tatar scored seven goals and collected 17 points. "It was challenging, for sure, but for this group, I was willing to do no problem," Tatar said of embracing his new role. "Obviously, I have lots of friends, and I do really like it here. That is why I came back to try to help the team." Advertisement Understanding that Tatar, 34, was set to be an unrestricted free agent, many were not expecting him to return to New Jersey. On Tuesday, his future was confirmed as he has signed a two-year contract in Switzerland with EV Zug, the National League club announced on Tuesday. "With his enormous experience from almost 1000 NHL games and his game intelligence, he is an important reinforcement for us at center," said Zug GM Reto Kläy. "In recent years, Tomáš has regularly played on the wing. With us, he will be used as a center." The veteran has appeared in 927 NHL games, playing for the Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, Montreal Canadiens, Devils, Colorado Avalanche, and Seattle Kraken. Advertisement The Hockey News wishes Tatar and his family all the best in Switzerland. Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes
Euronews
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Allies lift Ukraine's restrictions on long-range weapons, says Merz
Western allies are not imposing any range restrictions on the use of long-range weapons delivered to Ukraine against Russian military targets, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday. Merz pointed out that the restrictions have been lifted not only on German weapons. 'There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine, neither by the UK, France, nor us. There are no restrictions by the US either," he said during a discussion forum organised by the WDR channel. He stated that Ukraine can now "defend itself, for example, by attacking military facilities in Russia." "Until recently, it couldn't do that, and apart from very few exceptions, it hadn't done so either." The German chancellor stressed that while Kyiv is using its weapons to target Russian military infrastructure, Russia continues to attack Ukrainian "cities, kindergartens, hospitals, and care homes". 'Russia attacks civilian targets completely ruthlessly, bombing cities, kindergartens, hospitals and old people's homes - Ukraine doesn't do that.' Merz also revealed that this was one of the reasons for his visit to Kyiv together with the leaders of France, the UK and Poland on 10 May. During that visit to Ukraine's capital, he also said that all future arms supply talks with Ukraine would be kept confidential. In the past Ukraine received long-range missiles from the US, the UK and France, but was only allowed to use them against Russian military forces in occupied Ukrainian territories. As for Berlin, before coming into office, Merz signalled he would cancel the ban of his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, on delivering Germany's Taurus cruise missiles, capable of striking targets at a range of 500 kilometres. Speaking on Monday, the German chancellor said, 'Nobody can now reproach us for not having exhausted all the diplomatic means available to us.' Lifting the restrictions on the use of long-range weapons will make "the decisive difference in Ukraine's warfare," Merz explained, adding that "a country that can only oppose an attacker on its own territory is not defending itself adequately." Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on Monday shot down the idea of a tripartite meeting between himself, Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and UN envoy María Angela Holguín. Following a meeting with Holguín, Tatar lashed out at the authorities of the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus over recent arrests of individuals suspected of selling Greek Cypriot-owned property in the Turkish-occupied north. Referring to the arrests as "terrorist activies", Tatar said he had told Holguín during their meeting in Cyprus that "there was no need for a tripartite meeting." "I said that a meeting with Christodoulides could not be held in such an environment, that there was discomfort on the issue of property, and that it would not be right to create such an environment without resolving these issues,' Tatar told public broadcaster CyBC. The island nation of Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded following a coup backed by the Greek junta, which aimed at a union with Greece. The Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence in the island's northern third is recognised only by Turkey, which maintains around 35,000 troops there. The Republic of Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, but only the Greek Cypriot south, where the island's internationally recognised government is based, enjoys full benefits. A spate of recent arrests targeted people over the illegal development of property in the north which is owned by Greek Cypriot refugees, who fled south during the 1974 invasion. Two Hungarian nationals were the first to be sentenced to prison over the issue earlier this month. Tatar asked Holguín to convey his position to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, adding that "All this must stop," as "the real victims are the Turkish Cypriot people." Christodoulides had met with Holguín on Saturday, after which he indicated the Republic of Cyprus would be "here to respond" in the event of a positive response from Tatar. Referring to the latter's comments on Monday, the Cypriot president said he was "saddened". He insisted that the judiciary was responsible for the arrests, saying "the executive authority of does not interfere in the judicial authority under any circumstances." He also reiterated previous comments that "it would be good for the three of us to sit around a table to discuss and have a free discussion so that we can get closer to the goal of July, so that there are positive developments," adding that he would "definitely" be holding a new meeting with Holguín. Christodoulides added that Holguín's meetings outside Cyprus and especially Turkey would be "decisive". The UN envoy is also scheduled to visit Greece, the UK and Brussels. Christodoulides and Tatar last met in Geneva in mid-March, after which a series of modest confidence-building measures were announced. Guterres announced a similar meeting is to be held at the end of July. He appointed Holguín as his personal envoy on Cyprus in early May. She had previously been in the same role between January and July 2024.
