Uzbek-born politician once imprisoned in Crimea now appointed ambassador: Nariman Dzhelyal assigned to Turkey

By decree of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Nariman Dzhelyal has been appointed as the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Turkey. This was confirmed in the official presidential order.

“Appoint Nariman Enverovych Dzhelyalov as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Turkey,” reads the decree.

With this move, Ukraine not only strengthens its diplomatic outreach but once again emphasizes the importance of the Crimean issue. Dzhelyal’s appointment is especially symbolic due to his personal experiences, activism, and political persecution.

Who is he and what is his background?

Nariman Dzhelyal is a Crimean Tatar political figure, journalist, and human rights defender. He was born on April 27, 1980, in Navoi, Uzbekistan. In 1989, his family returned to Crimea.

He graduated in political science from Odessa National University. He began his career as a journalist at the Avdet newspaper and later worked at ATR television. Dzhelyal also taught history and law at an international school in Simferopol.

He entered politics in 2013, becoming the First Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People.

Staying in Crimea — a conscious decision

After Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, while many activists fled, Dzhelyal chose to stay. He focused on protecting the rights of Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians, documenting human rights violations, and participating in politically motivated court proceedings.

This activism came at a cost. After attending the 2021 Crimea Platform summit, Dzhelyal was arrested by Russian authorities and accused of “sabotage.” In 2022, a Russian court sentenced him to 17 years in a high-security prison.

From prisoner to diplomat

In June 2024, Dzhelyal was released in a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia and returned to Kyiv. His new appointment as ambassador to Ankara reaffirms Turkey’s strategic importance for Ukraine.

Turkey has long supported Crimean Tatars and their rights. Sending Dzhelyal to this key partner country is seen as a calculated and symbolic move.

A final chapter or a new beginning?

From prison to diplomacy — this is not only a personal triumph but a political message. Dzhelyal is now more than an activist; he represents Ukraine on the global stage.

Zamin.uz editorial team will continue covering this important development. What do you think: is this appointment a new diplomatic chapter for Dzhelyal, or a continuation of his political struggle?

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