The Story of the Ukrainian Hero, Crimean Tatar Seydametov Asan Dlyaverovich

Interview by Yusuf Inan

The Story of the Ukrainian Hero, Crimean Tatar Seydametov Asan Dlyaverovich

Yusuf Inan: First of all, my condolences. May your father's soul rest in peace.

Sarıbılaova Zarem: Thank you. May he rest in peace.

Yusuf Inan: Who is Sarıbılaova Zarem? Could you give us a brief introduction?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: I am the eldest daughter of Asan Dlyaverovich. I am 22 years old and work as a hairdresser.

Yusuf Inan: Could you tell us about your father, Seydametov Asan Dlyaverovich?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: Seydametov Asan Dlyaverovich, call sign "Tatar." My father was a just, honest, brave, and patriotic man. He was a loving father and a devoted husband. He longed to see Crimea liberated and did not want his children to know the horrors of war. He went to war in 2016. He was awarded medals and acknowledgments and was mentioned in local newspapers.

Yusuf Inan: Could you tell us about your family?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: We are a large family with four daughters. I am the eldest, and I also have a daughter, my parents' first grandchild.

Yusuf Inan: What was your father, Seydametov Asan Dlyaverovich, doing when the Russian invasion began? How did he join the army? Was he a volunteer, or was he drafted under the mobilization law?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: At the time of the Russian invasion, my father was in the Mykolaiv region. He was under contract, which was due to end in April-May.

Yusuf Inan: When and where did Seydametov Asan Dlyaverovich perish?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: He died on January 23, 2023, in Donbas, near the Bakhmut area in the village of Kurdiumivka.

Yusuf Inan: When did you receive the news of your father's martyrdom? What did you feel at that moment?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: I barely remember anything from that terrible day. I couldn't believe what had happened... I thought maybe they made a mistake and my father was still alive, but then they brought the official document confirming his death.

Yusuf Inan: What did your father do after the occupation of Crimea?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: My father started serving in 2016. He fought in Pisky and took part in the battles for Donetsk Airport. He was very determined to liberate Crimea and eastern Ukraine.

Yusuf Inan: What did your father, Seydametov Asan Dlyaverovich, do after the Russian invasion?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: He evacuated his family and parents from occupied Henichesk and then went to the front lines.

Yusuf Inan: Where does your family live now?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: We currently live in the Odesa region.

Yusuf Inan: Where is your father, Seydametov Asan Dlyaverovich, buried?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: He is buried in the Western Cemetery in Odesa.

Yusuf Inan: How often do you visit the cemetery?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: Often. We go there together as a family whenever we can.

Yusuf Inan: How has your father’s martyrdom affected your family?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: It is very hard to live without our father.

Yusuf Inan: Did you live in Crimea? Do you have family members living in Crimea?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: No, I did not live in Crimea. We have relatives who live there.

Yusuf Inan: Has any member of your family left Ukraine since the Russian invasion began?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: My father’s parents now live abroad.

Yusuf Inan: How long have you been living in Odesa?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: Since May 2022.

Yusuf Inan: Which culture do you feel closer to in Ukraine: Crimean Tatar or Ukrainian?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: Crimean Tatar.

Yusuf Inan: How do Crimean Tatars feel in Ukraine?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: They feel fine, not oppressed.

Yusuf Inan: Have you been to Turkey? What do you think about Turkey?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: I live in Ukraine.

Yusuf Inan: How is life in Odesa now?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: Not bad, but I long for my native Henichesk, my native Crimea, and the Azov Sea.

Yusuf Inan: Do you have any plans for the future? What are your thoughts?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: It’s difficult to make plans for the future right now. I live day by day and pray for our defenders and for victory.

Yusuf Inan: How do you feel without your father? Do you miss him?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: I miss him a lot.

Yusuf Inan: Do you have a message for President Zelensky?

Sarıbılaova Zarem: Yes, I do. I urge the president to grant the title of Hero to every fallen defender. Each of them deserves it. They give their lives for us, for the freedom and independence of Ukraine, for our East and Crimea.

Yusuf Inan: Have you petitioned for your father to be awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine? Can you provide information on this?

Thank you very much for your answers.

In Ukrainian culture, those who die in war are called "Heroes." Muslims refer to the fallen as both heroes and martyrs.

Your father was a Muslim.

He achieved martyrdom while founding his country.

May God rest his soul.

Rest in peace...

Sarıbılaova Zarem: Since the full-scale invasion began, Ukraine has lost many of its Heroes. Women and men give their lives in brutal battles for peace and tranquility. Their relatives and families will never see their defenders again. Sadly, the title of Hero is awarded only to those whose deaths gain publicity or whose relatives gather enough signatures on a petition.

Every person who dies fighting for Ukraine is a Hero! Since this is beyond question, I believe that awarding this title should be automatic. To ensure they are remembered and honored!

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YUSUF İNAN / MARTYRS DO NOT DIE

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