Argumentation of the autoethnonym “Crimean Tatars” by indigenous and foreign historical sources

The article aims to prove the endoethnonymous nature and refute the exoethnonymous hypothesis of the self-designation of the Crimean Tatars. The foundation of the evidence base is laid in the written sources of the Crimean Khanate era. Foreign historical sources are considered and the main forms of self-designation are determined. The philological aspect of the autoethnonym (izafet construction) is analyzed. The reflection of the name “Tatars” in the toponymy of the Crimean Peninsula is indicated. A brief historical excursion into the evolution of the self-designation is given.