Since the full-scale invasion by Russia in 2022, Ukraine has endured relentless air raids and drone attacks, disturbing daily life and threatening security.
Ahead of International Migration Day on December 18, Elvira shares how art and the subtle power of creativity helped her navigate three challenging years.
As Kyiv struggles under the strain of war, Crimean Tatar ceramicist Elvira Demerdzhi’s showroom offers ceramics that serve as a delicate refuge and reminder of home.
Crimean roots
Elvira’s journey begins long before molding her first clay piece. Her mother, expecting her, returned to Crimea from Uzbekistan in 1989, as Crimean Tatars made their way back after years of exile.
Her grandmother, deported at nine in 1944, was the sole survivor of her family.
Elvira Demerdzhi creates vessels inspired by traditional Crimean Tatar ceramics.
Her great-grandfather, who once battled Nazi Germany, was later exiled and eventually reunited with the family.
The family reconstructed their lives in Crimea, where Elvira grew up exploring the southern coast she had been separated from.
Before embracing ceramics, Elvira spent twelve years as a professional dancer and performer.
Russian annexation of Crimea
The 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea forced Elvira from her home, leading her to explore new forms of expression. Seeking stability, she joined a Kyiv ceramics workshop to master the craft and business aspects.
Clay became both a craft and a journey of self-discovery. “After my displacement, I explored Crimean Tatar lands and realized how little we knew of our origins.”
For Elvira, each piece is a connection to the places within her, reflecting landscapes and childhood memories.
Her workshop, “Aqyar Ceramics,” bears the Crimean Tatar name of her hometown, Sevastopol. While traditional Tatar pottery features vibrant floral designs, Elvira opted for a modern, minimalist style using stone clay.
Elvira Demerdzhi sells her creations through Aqyar Ceramics.
With Russia’s invasion, Elvira sought temporary refuge in the Netherlands. Though she could have stayed, returning to Kyiv was essential as it felt like home.
In October 2025, Russia fired 269 missiles at Ukraine, the highest monthly count in that year, impacting sales dramatically.
IOM Business Support
“Crafts require stability, and for now, that’s just a dream for my business,” Elvira expressed.
Yet, progress emerges in small forms.
Military families attend her classes for the calm that clay provides. Customers seek meaningful gifts. Restaurants and hotels place orders for her handmade tableware.
This year, Elvira received a business grant from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), enabling her to buy more equipment and materials. She collaborated with other ceramicists and handled larger orders.
Elvira Demerdzhi creates dishes that encapsulate her Crimean Tatar heritage.
Between 2022 and 2025, IOM supported over 1,800 Ukrainian small businesses, helping them endure the war economy’s challenges.
Rebuilding her business is just one facet of Elvira’s life. She is also raising her six-year-old son, hoping to instill their Crimean Tatar heritage when the time comes.
“He knows his roots, but I want to shield him a bit longer,” she said.
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