For Crimea's embattled Tatar minority, weddings are an important manifestation of their values and traditions. Moreover, because of both formal and de facto travel restrictions, Crimean Tatar extended families rarely get to see each other, so marriage celebrations are a vital way of staying in touch. Photographer Nazar Volnyl recently attended a traditional wedding between Arsen and Sabina, two Tatars living on the Black Sea peninsula, and took these pictures of their special day for the Crimean Desk of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service.
Keeping Tatar Traditions Alive With A Crimean Wedding
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Ensuring the celebrants wear traditional dress is an important part of any nuptials.
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The bride kisses her husband's hand, a traditional sign of respect given after marriage vows have been exchanged.
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The bride and groom take the lead in dancing after the civil formalities have been taken care of.
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Weddings are usually a multigenerational afair.
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The happy couple depart as they embark on a new life together. It will probably be some time before they will next have an opportunity to see many of the guests who attended their wedding.