During the “Dalyvauk! Vilnius” Participatory Budgeting Program, Svetlana Muchlia put forward a proposal for the creation of a Totor Square dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Griviškės Tatars. The initiative originated following a cultural tour in the summer of 2024.
During this visit, Muchlia participated in a historical tour of the Griviškės area, which provided detailed accounts of the former Totor village. The proposal aims to honor the memory of the Tatar families who historically resided in the region. Muchlia noted that the area retains tangible links to its past, exemplified by the old apple orchard, which serves as a visible testament to the community’s history.
The concept gained traction after Muchlia observed the site, stating her appreciation for the location’s role in quietly safeguarding its cultural legacy. The proposed square seeks to integrate educational elements that allow the public to learn more about the significance of the Tatars in this specific locale. This effort represents an effort to utilize civic participation to revitalize historical memory within Vilnius.
By establishing a dedicated Totor Square, proponents intend to transform the area into a center for cultural education, ensuring that the history connected to the Tatars and the Totor community remains visible and accessible to future generations, building upon the knowledge gained during site visits and specialized tours.
Topics: #tatars #totor #tour
