Press release, 10 October 2019
The Seimas adopted two resolutions (draft No. XIIIP-3427(2) and No. XIIIP-3503(3)), declaring 2021 the Year of Archives and the Year of Lithuanian Tatar History and Culture.
The year 2021 marks a centenary since the establishment of the first state archive in the Republic of Lithuania. The first resolution of the Seimas reads that memory institutions in Lithuania play a crucial role in preserving and promoting historical and cultural memory of the nation, encouraging a conscious development of cultural identity of Lithuanian citizens, as well as fostering respect to one’s state, its history, and national culture. The centenary of Lithuanian archives serves to inspire the public to take interest in the past and history of Lithuania.
The year 2021 was also declared the Year of Lithuanian Tatar History and Culture as it marks 700 years since the Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas formed a union with Tatars. The respective resolution of the Seimas underlines that the Lithuanian Tatar community has made a significant contribution to the history and culture of Lithuania and the restoration of its statehood. The Tatar community made its life in Lithuania and became part of its history.
The Seimas also proposed that the Government should develop programmes for the Year of Archives and the Year of Lithuanian Tatar History and Culture and earmark funds from the budget for their implementation.