The Tatars In Finland

Introduction: It is estimated that the number of people that make up the minorities of Finland is one of the lowest in the entirety of Europe. In fact in 2010 there were fewer than 250,000 people, but of course the situation could be developing. Examples of minorities living in the country include the Sámi, Russians, Roma, Jews, Swedish-speaking Finns and Tatars. To explore the religion, numbers, integration, language and situation of the Tatars (also known as Finnish Turks) in Finland, one must first study their history.
History: Who are the Tatars? Some sources reveal that the Tatar first appeared in Mongolia among nomadic tribes during the 5th century whilst others have them introduced to the world later. Being such a small minority group

The Tatars, being of Turkic decent, have continued their culture, religion and language (even) whilst adapting to the ways of Finnish society. Though most of them communicate in Mishar, the Tatar dialect, they also often mix in Finnish. Ever since 1953, cultural events have been put together for the Tatar by the Tatar Cultural Society - including plays, folk music, poetry recitals and folk dancing. There aren’t any Tatar primary or secondary schools left in Finland, however during spring and autumn terms they are provided with one hour of teaching a week in Tatar language, culture, religion and history (by the Islamic Congregation). There had been a Tatar primary school in Helsinki during the years of 1948 to 1969. Half the teaching was in Finnish and half was in Tatar. (Yet, a Tatar kindergarten has existed since the 1950s.) It eventually closed down due to low attendance numbers. Compared to their relatively small population the Finnish Tatars have quite a rich literary

Also depending on where the Tatars are located they celebrate different holidays, along with the ones that are religiously already their own. Some of their holidays include - Ramadan (the month long fast), the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and the story of Abraham offering his son for sacrifice.
Although Muslim people have been viewed as different, in the sense that they are not willing to integrate, this is definitely not the case with Tatars in Finland. As well, Muslims have been bordered with common accusations of being gender violent and disrespectful people. However, these issues are not brought up in Finland as the Tatars bring about a completely different portrayal of the faith and its followers – one that is pleasant and