About the book: 2006 / The problem of Crimea over the past 15 years has become extremely relevant for the population of our country. Military historian A.B. Shirokorad in his book addresses the past and present of this ancient land, trying to answer a number of fundamental questions. And there are many of these questions. When and how did the Russians appear in Crimea? How did the Crimean Khanate arise and why did its liquidation become a matter of life and death for Russia? Why did Russia lose the Crimean War? What happened in Crimea during the February and October revolutions and the Civil War? Why was Crimea surrendered in 1941–1942 and what happened there during the occupation? How did Crimea end up “abroad” for Russians? How the division of the Black Sea Fleet took place and what are the prospects for the development of the situation in Crimea in the context of Russian-Ukrainian relations?