Tatarzy litewscy czy Lipkowie? Rozważania historyczno-semantyczne oraz propozycje terminologiczne

Abstract

The history of the Lithuanian-Polish Tatars is hard to interpret unambiguously. Their multi-layer history combined with the difficulty of cultural self-identification are reflected in the names used in reference to this ethnic group. The article presents the names used so far in the subject literature. The name “Lithuanian Tatars” is considered by many as out of date and “Lipka Tatars” is even less favoured. In this article, the authors try to present the development of the particular names of the Tatar settlers in the area of the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania, showing their historical-semantic origin. A new terminology is proposed. According to the authors of this work, the most adequate names include Lithuanian-Polish Tatars and/or the Tatars of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.