On January 28, 2024, the Tatars of Washington State, a newly registered nonprofit organization, held a special event at the North Bellevue Community Center to celebrate the official registration of their association and to foster a sense of community among Tatars in Washington State. The event, focused on a traditional Tatar culinary experience, brought together local community members for a day of learning, sharing, and celebration.

Tatars of Washington State was founded by Aigul, Kerem, Diana, and Marat with the mission to promote and preserve Tatar culture and language in the region. Their vision is to create a vibrant community where Tatars can connect, share their rich heritage, and strengthen their identity. Through cultural events, educational programs, language classes, and community initiatives, the organization is dedicated to ensuring that Tatar traditions thrive for future generations.

To celebrate their mission and the registration of the association, the group organized a hands-on Uchpochmak-making event. Uchpochmak, a traditional Tatar pastry filled with meat, onions, and potatoes, is a beloved dish in Tatar cuisine. Community members gathered at the North Bellevue Community Center, taking turns preparing the pastries together. This collaborative effort allowed everyone to not only learn how to make the dish but also to bond over the shared experience of cooking and celebrating their cultural heritage.

Once the Uchpochmaks were ready, the group sat down to enjoy the fruits of their labor, sharing the delicious meal in a true display of Tatar hospitality. The celebration was further enhanced by traditional Tatar music, and participants danced to the rhythms, adding an extra layer of joy and cultural connection to the gathering.

The event, made possible by the hard work of numerous volunteers, highlighted the strong community spirit among the Tatars of Washington State. It was an opportunity for everyone to connect, celebrate their culture, and strengthen ties within the Tatar community. The success of the Uchpochmak-making event marks a promising beginning for the Tatars of Washington State, and the organization looks forward to hosting more events to continue building a thriving and inclusive community for Tatars in the region.