Who tells the story of Tatarstan, and why should Southeast Asia listen?

Author, historian, and cultural ambassador Emil Julienne Habibulina Luy—a Filipino-Tatar—explores this question in his debut book, All About Tatarstan. Now newly released, the work introduces readers to the centuries-old story of the Tatars, a community whose resilience and creativity continue to inspire in a rapidly changing world.

Far from being just a history book, All About Tatarstan is Emil’s manifesto for global empathy, cross-cultural dialogue, and the preservation of voices that risk being overlooked.

Letter of Commendation: World Congress of Tatars

In recognition of his outstanding global leadership and contributions to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, Emil received a Letter of Commendation from the World Congress of Tatars. This honor underscores his role as a bridge between cultures and his commitment to telling stories that transcend borders.

‘To be global is not to lose identity’

“My Tatar identity has given me both rootedness and responsibility,” Emil explains. “It taught me that to be global is not to erase yourself, but to use your heritage as a lens for empathy, dialogue, and service.”

This conviction runs throughout All About Tatarstan, which reframes Tatar culture not as peripheral but as integral to the global story. The book challenges misconceptions that Tatarstan is a small republic overshadowed by geography, instead spotlighting the Tatars as innovators, bridge-builders, and contributors to world culture.

The resilience of a people

Asked to distill Tatar identity into three words, Emil chose Resilient, Hospitable, and Creative. Each captures centuries of survival, generosity, and artistry—from literature and architecture to music and trade.

The author notes that resilience, in the Tatar context, doesn’t mean resisting change. “Resilience means adapting without erasing yourself,” he says. “It’s about active creativity, finding ways to remain authentically yourself while still engaging with the world.”

From Tatarstan to the Philippines

Emil’s vision extends beyond Tatar culture. As founder of Rise Philippines, a non-profit dedicated to creating opportunities for underprivileged Filipino children, he draws a parallel between cultural preservation and humanitarian work: both, he says, are about restoring dignity.

“Preserving culture ensures that a people’s story is not erased; humanitarian work ensures that a child’s future is not overlooked,” Emil shares. “In both, the principle is the same: recognition, agency, and a chance to thrive.”

Growing up in Manila also gave Emil a second homeland, one he hopes to honor in future works: “Just as I sought to amplify Tatar voices, I would love to tell Filipino stories for a wider audience.”

History beyond textbooks

Part of what makes All About Tatarstan compelling is Emil’s multidisciplinary lens. A student-athlete and economics enthusiast, he compares Tatar history to a soccer match—full of strategy, defense, offense, and teamwork. He also examines Tatarstan as a vital trade hub, where ideas and goods intersected across continents.

What surprised him most in his research was just how far Tatar influence extended—beyond their homeland into Central Asia, Russia, and the Ottoman world. “Tatars were global actors,” Emil emphasizes, “and their story is proof that every culture, no matter its size, can shape the wider world.”

A spark for dialogue

When asked what conversation he hopes his book might spark, Emil’s answer was simple: Whose stories are missing from our understanding of the world?

“If All About Tatarstan encourages someone to explore not only Tatar heritage but also the overlooked cultures around them, then it has achieved its purpose,” he says. “Curiosity is the first step toward empathy and meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.”

All About Tatarstan is now available on BookshelfPH.