Appeal of the Tatar Council on the Occasion of Constitution Day of the Republic of Tatarstan

On November 6, 1992, the most important document was adopted — the Constitution of the Republic of Tatarstan. It enshrined the results of the nationwide referendum held in March of the same year, which confirmed Tatarstan’s course toward sovereignty and the building of its own full-fledged statehood. That year was truly fruitful and triumphant for the republic and for the Tatars in political terms.

In January 2023, under pressure from Moscow, the parliament of Tatarstan drastically amended its own Constitution. Elements of statehood and independence were removed, even though they had been approved by the people in a referendum — and, as usual, no one asked for their opinion this time. The main document of Tatarstan now contains no mention of sovereignty, citizenship, the institution of the presidency with mandatory knowledge of the Tatar language, or the treaty on the division of powers between the republic and the Russian Federation — that is, an agreement between two equal state entities.

The multinational people are no longer described as the “bearer of sovereignty.” Then who is? This is not only a philosophical question, but also a legal one. Who, then, is the true owner and founder of sovereignty?

In step with Putin’s war, the constitutional norm stating that “The Republic of Tatarstan rejects violence and war as a means of resolving disputes between states and peoples” and that “war propaganda is prohibited” was also removed.

The Constitutional Court of the republic was abolished as well.

It is worth noting that Tatarstan once possessed a more substantive sovereign status than the amorphous formation known as the Russian Federation, which, incidentally, adopted its own Constitution a year later, in 1993 — after shelling the building of the Supreme Soviet, where deputies who disagreed with President Yeltsin’s actions were meeting at that time.

A Constitution written in blood was later replaced by constitutional amendments adopted in 2020 under highly questionable procedures.

However, we are convinced that the time will come when the main republican document will truly function, fulfilling the will of the people.

The Constitution is a concentrated expression of the political and civic will of the people of Tatarstan. It contains the conceptual foundation of the republic’s very existence. Yes, under pressure of circumstances, it was forced to change, certain articles were revised, and some were removed entirely. But even wounded and partially mutilated, it continues to be a source of legitimacy — like a small spring that can grow into a powerful river, if will and circumstances converge.

Article 14 of the Constitution of Tatarstan states that the republic assumes responsibility for ensuring the spiritual and cultural needs of Tatars living outside their historical homeland — and they constitute more than 70 percent of the nation. This means it is their Constitution as well. They are also involved in its political and symbolic meaning. All Tatars are part of this process.

We declare that we will fight for the restoration of the authentic, original Constitution of Tatarstan adopted in the 1992 referendum. It is the genuine one. It contains the expressed will of the Tatar people. The concepts of “sovereignty,” “statehood,” “republic,” “dignity,” and “independence” are inscribed in it in golden letters. No one has the right to remove or delegitimize them.

Forward, true Tatarstan!

6.11.2025