BOOK LAUNCH “JOURNEY TO FREEDOM”

Official launch of the book titled “Journey to Freedom” Brief History and Culture of Australian Tatars took place on 23 November 2013 at Enfield Community Centre Hall, 540 Regency Road, Enfield, South Australia. Book was launched by the Lieutenant Governor of South Australia, Mr Hieu Van Le, AO. VIPs from the Government and Non-Government Organisations as well as members of Tatar, Turkish, Uighur and Uzbek communities attended the book launch.

Hon Jack Snelling MP wrote “Her publication will help give the wider Australian public a taste of the Tatar culture but more importantly the rich history of South Australia’s Tatar community. This book provides inspiring stories of many Australian Tatar families; telling how some escaped political persecution, discrimination and hardships not known in this country to live rich and fulfilling lives and how they all came to call Australia home. This inspiration will strike a chord with the English-speaking community in Adelaide.” Australia has a history of valuing, respecting and admiring those who have overcome adversity, worked hard and achieved in life, and through reading Ms Maski’s work they will not only be inspired but be able to gain a greater insight into Tatar culture and history in the process. Hon Tony Zappia MP wrote “Through extensive research and interview with individuals Aysha Maski traces the arduous journey, and struggles of 22 prominent Tartar families who reached Australia.

Each family’s story is unique and provides a fascinating insight into their life in the homelands, their persecution, struggles and ultimately their migration to Australia. The stories tell of the suffering, hardship, determination and courage of the Tartar - Bashkurt people who were torn between staying in their own country and facing an unknown future and establishing a secure life for their children in a new land. These are stories about experiences which thankfully most other Australians have not had to endure. Entwined in each story much is also revealed about the values, culture, traditions and close family ties of Tartar-Bashkurt people.”