This is a flag used by the Union of Polish Tatars (Zwiazek Tatarow Polskich
or Polonya Tatar Birlik), the foremost organization of the remnants
of a once prosperous and influential ethno-religious group of the Polish-Lithuanian
Commonwealth. From feared invaders in the XIII Century, the Tatars evolved
into one of the most patriotic elements of the Polish nation. Treated with
respect and equality, allowed complete religious freedom, they served with
enthusiasm and numerous sacrifices their new fatherland. Over the years
most of them lost their language and even the religion of their fathers
by blending into Polish nobility and general population. Wars, partitions
and border changes affected them severely, and today only about 5 thousand
remain faithful to their tradition and Islam. But their involvement in
epic struggles in defense of Poland, from the wars with the Teutonic Knights
to fierce resistance against German-Soviet invasion of 1939 entitle them
a special place in the society. They are not treated as a minority but
as equal compatriots, just of different religion. In the Polish III Republic
they have a chance to flourish again. Besides two archaic mosques in Kruszyniany
and Bohoniki (near Bialystok), a new and modern mosque was built in Gdansk
and cultural centers opened in Bialystok and Warsaw. Most recently, the
Union of Polish Tatars and Polish Islamic Association issued statements
condemning the attack on the WTC.
Chrystian Kretowicz, 9 Oct 2001
I have seen references to Tartars living in the Kingdom of Poland and
Lithuania, specifically in areas which are now parts of Belarus.
I believe that some of them were refugees from the protracted strife on
the steppe, which followed the Mongol conquest, and some were prisoners
of war captured by one of the Polish Kings and transported along with their
families to provide forced labor on Polish estates.
David L. Barrett, 8 Dec 2002
![[Polish Tatars flag]](../images/p/pl_tatar.gif)
image by Ivan Sache, 10 Oct 2001
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