Photo Exhibition held at Harvard University revealed the beauty of our homeland

Uyghur Academy and Harvard University Center for Asian Studies organized a valuable event for Uyghurs between 14-15-16 April 2023.

In this event, photographs of the famous photographer Ablikim Amet, reflecting the beauties of our homeland, its natural landscape, the traditions and customs of our people, and our cultural heritage were exhibited. People from all walks of life from all over the world watched.

At the opening ceremony of the homeland photography exhibition, which will continue for 80 days, Harvard University Vice-Chancellor Mark Elliott, Director of the Center for Asian Studies Elizabeth Liao and President of the Uyghur Academy Dr. Rishad Abbas gave speeches. In their opening speeches, they explained the current situation of our country, Chinese oppression and its past with short and impressive examples.

Harvard University Vice-Chancellor Maric Elliott stated that this is not just an exhibition and gave information about the Uyghur language courses that will be opened at Harvard University. Recalling the beautiful memories of her visit to our country in 1983, she told about the beautiful landscapes of our homeland and her impressions of our precious material and spiritual cultural heritage. He emphasized that it is a source of deep regret that these valuable material and moral resources are under the control of the Chinese government.

While explaining the value of the works of the famous Uyghur photographer Ablikim, Elliott commented, “This exhibition can connect with the past, embrace the ugliness of the present and create hope for the future.”

On behalf of the Academy, our president, Dr. Rishat Abbas expressed his gratitude to Harvard University for giving all kinds of support to this event. Explaining the hope of the Uyghur people at a time when China was committing genocide against the Uyghur people, he said, “China says they will destroy us, but this beauty and art will live in the hearts of the people of East Turkestan forever.”

Elizabeth Liao, Director of the Asian Research Center, lovingly expressed that the event created an opportunity to “make the voices of the silent heard” and pointed out that the Uyghur region and its people have many levels of beauty and art.

Then, the President of the American Uighur Union, Alfidar Iltabir, took the floor and pointed out that everyone has an obligation to protect these beauties against Chinese oppression and injustice, and that organizing this exhibition is another form of our protest against China.

Foreigners who attended the event and supported the national independence struggle of the Uyghurs described the exhibition as one of the most meaningful works of the Uyghurs this year.

After the opening speech, photographer Ablikim Emet was presented with valuable gifts specially prepared by the American Uyghur Academy and the American Uyghur Federation.

The tables displaying the Uyghur food culture and the songs performed by Musicology Doctor Alice Anderson with Dutar added a more lively atmosphere to the event.

Ablikim Amet proudly stated that this exhibition was very meaningful to him, especially that he was lucky enough to open such a photography exhibition describing his homeland in one of the world’s most famous universities.

The works featured in this exhibition reflect the natural beauties of our homeland such as vast deserts, emerald green lakes, golden plateaus, green hills and snow-capped peaks, and the breathtaking beauty of Tarim Wadis. In addition, he silently reminded the visitors of the genocide and persecution in our country in a language that everyone can understand.

To enjoy more photos of “Motherland” taken by Ablikim Amet, click the link: https://uyghurphotography.com/showcase