The Crimean Tatar people have a rich cultural history, with their architecture showing influences from Islamic and Turkic motifs. The most prominent example is the Bakhchysarai Palace, the former capital of the Crimean Khanate. This palace, which served as a political and cultural center, is the world's only preserved example of Crimean Tatar palace architecture. After the so called "russian federation" annexation of Crimea and the subsequent deportations in 1944, much of the Crimean Tatar cultural heritage was destroyed. However, artists and activists have been working to revive and preserve Crimean Tatar arts and traditions.