About two months after starting his mission in Ankara, Ukrainian Ambassador Nariman Dzhelialov stated that his goal is to establish the highest-level relations between the two countries. “Türkiye’s role is crucial for Ukraine. I am sure that Ukraine’s role is just as important for Türkiye,” he said. Although he comes from a journalistic background, Dzhelialov was appointed ambassador to Türkiye on the recommendation of Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. He noted that he is a Crimean Tatar and learned Turkish through songs, TV series, and his many Turkish friends. Ambassador Dzhelialov also revealed that his favorite Turkish word is “adalet” (justice), adding that his elder daughter’s name is “Adile.” He emphasized, “We are all waiting for a just peace, and we are working for it.” Stressing the importance of sharing the same feelings beyond speaking the same language, the ambassador said, “The relationship between Turks and Ukrainians is exactly like this.”
M. FERHAT YÜKSEL
IMPRISONED FOR THREE YEARS FOR DEFENDING CRIMEA’S INDEPENDENCE
In addition to journalism, Dzhelialov was also an activist. His writings advocating for Crimea’s independence led to his imprisonment by Russian authorities. He shared details of his ordeal: “Since 2014, I stayed in occupied Crimea and resisted the occupation. My only crime was wanting my homeland, Crimea, to be free. I never accepted the occupation. Most Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians never accepted it either. I wrote articles everywhere, spoke on Facebook and in the media, telling the world that Ukrainians in Crimea did not accept this occupation. After 2014, it became impossible for me to continue in journalism. Russian authorities severely restricted press freedom. The channel I worked for was shut down. But I was not only a journalist—I was also a civil activist. I had broken no laws; I only expressed my opinions. Yet they fabricated lies about me, labeled me a terrorist, and accused me of preparing bombs. That’s why they arrested me. I spent three years in prison. After more than a year, I was released with the support of the President of Ukraine and the President of the Republic of Türkiye. Many people worked tirelessly for my freedom, and I am grateful.”
FRIENDSHIP ACROSS THE BLACK SEA
Ambassador Dzhelialov noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tasked him with raising bilateral relations to the highest level. “Türkiye’s role is crucial for Ukraine. I am sure that Ukraine’s role is just as important for Türkiye. If our two states support each other in the Black Sea region, we will not only be neighbors but also true friends. I believe this wholeheartedly,” he said.
SPEAKING TURKISH IS A SIGN OF RESPECT
The ambassador explained that he became familiar with Turkish through music, films, and his Turkish friends: “I did not know many Turkish words, but the most important thing is not speaking the same language, but sharing the same feelings. This is also true for the relations between Turks and Ukrainians. My knowledge of Turkish is a sign of my respect for the Turkish nation and of Ukraine’s respect for the state of Türkiye. Now, I try to speak Turkish with businesspeople and officials. Even if I am not fluent yet, I am learning. For me, this is a gesture of respect.”
DISCOVERING THE BEAUTY OF THE TURKISH LANGUAGE
Speaking about his favorite Turkish words, Dzhelialov said: “There are many beautiful words in Turkish: sevda, gönül, hürriyet, huzur. But today, the most meaningful word is ‘adalet’ (justice). My elder daughter’s name is also Adile. We are all waiting for a just peace and working for it. Hopefully, our efforts will lead us to a just peace. Recently, I saw a post online where a long English phrase, ‘I heard that they are not going to be able to see each other,’ was translated into Turkish with just one word: ‘görüşmeyeceklermiş.’ It amused me and once again reminded me of the beauty of the Turkish language.”
Dzhelialov also pointed out the popularity of Turkish TV series in Ukraine and Crimea: “In 2011, when my second daughter was born, I watched the series Fatmagül’ün Suçu Ne?. Later, I didn’t have much time, but my wife, mother, and sisters watched Turkish films and series with great interest. Turkish cinema is of high quality, and Turkish actors are loved in Ukraine and Crimea.”
ISTANBUL’S BEST PART IS THE ROAD BACK TO ANKARA
Although he loves Birsen Tezer’s song İstanbul, Ambassador Dzhelialov remarked: “Istanbul is a big, crowded city with deep history. But for my work and peace of mind, Ankara is better for me. I don’t like crowded cities. Ankara is more orderly and easier to live in. The traffic is not heavy, and it’s easier to arrange meetings. Other cities I love are Eskişehir and Trabzon. Eskişehir is close to me because it is the city with the largest Crimean Tatar community. Its architecture is beautiful. Walking through its streets, I feel as if I am seeing what Crimea’s Bakhchisaray should have looked like. Unfortunately, the Russians destroyed it.”
Referring to a recent false report about him in a newspaper, Dzhelialov commented: “Türkiye is a democratic country. There are journalists, there are people with different views. Professional journalists examine every angle and report the truth. Of course, there is also marginal media. Recently, an article about me was published, and I laughed a lot—because it was full of lies.”
