What does it really mean to be a Tatar in Poland today? In this episode, Ewa and Maurits explore the blurred lines between religion, culture, and identity among the oldest native Muslim community in Europe. They speak with theatre director Róża Chazbijewicz and members of a local Tatar association, unearthing contrasting views on whether being Tatar is a matter of faith, blood, or heritage.
Along the way, they examine centuries-old prayer books written in Arabic script but in Polish and Ukrainian languages—and meet a sociologist whose research reveals how funding, nationalism, and Islamophobia shape modern Tatar identity. As they move between museum archives, family stories, and academic insight, they discover that Tatarness is both proudly preserved and constantly reinvented.
Visit the website for more details, maps and photos: tatarpodcast.eu/episodes/episode-4-religion-or-culture/