The International Conference and Workshop on Preservation of Uyghur Language and Culture in Ankara

From July 8 to 10, 2023, an international seminar titled “Protection of Uyghur Language and Culture in the Diaspora: Amidst the Uyghur Genocide” was successfully held in Ankara, organized by the Uyghur Academy. Twenty-nine Uyghur organizations and 135 Uyghur and foreign researchers, ministers, government officials, parliamentarians, Uyghur language volunteers, and Uyghur language teachers from 14 countries participated in this conference and workshop.

The conference on the first day was divided into four main sections, where researchers, academicians, Uyghur NGO leaders, and Uyghur language teachers from various countries presented reports and engaged in discussions on topics designated by the moderators of each section.

The conference began with the opening speech by Dr. Rishat Abbas, President of the Uyghur Academy, Senior Pharmaceutical Scientist, and Clinical Research Leader based in the USA. During his opening speech, Dr. Rishat Abbas addressed the current challenges confronting the Uyghur language and culture, both within and beyond their homeland. He emphasised the need for collaboration among native language teachers, artists, Uyghur intellectuals, and organisational leaders to safeguard the Uyghur native language and culture.

Dr. Abbas pointed out that the conference’s primary objective was to report on the ongoing genocide and cultural suppression perpetrated by China against the Uyghurs. It aimed to foster discussions regarding the hurdles and complications encountered in protecting the Uyghur language and culture within this context, as well as to propose strategies for overcoming and resolving these challenges.

Full text of Welcome Remarks by Dr. Rishat Abbas

Essalamelleykum, Good Morning,

On behalf of Uyghur Academy, I am honored to welcome you to this international conference.

We are thankful to the United States Institute of Peace for acknowledging the value of preserving Uyghur language and culture in  diaspora and for their support of this important event.

As the world has been witnessing, the Chinese government is committing an active genocide and crimes against humanity targeting  the Uyghur and other Turkic people in our homeland East Turkistan. At the same time, China has been committing a cultural genocide by extinguishing the language, religion, and culture of the Uyghurs. In the middle of this genocide, it is the moral duty of Uyghurs in the diaspora to unite in preserving our identity.

Uyghur Academy takes immense pride in extending a warm welcome to esteemed experts, leaders, advocates, and Uyghur teachers representing 30 organizations and communities across 15 countries, accompanied by 14 Uyghur language schools worldwide.

Today, through fact-based discussions on the Uyghur genocide, our renowned scholars will present topics on how the Chinese government’s systematic campaign is destroying our identity and erasing our culture. We will address the challenges our community faces, and explore the approaches to Uyghur cultural preservation, language promotion, and transnational collaboration.

I sincerely thank all the participants and speakers for joining us. Your presence and expertise greatly enrich this conference.  I am confident that our deliberations will generate tangible outcomes, benefiting the Uyghur community and inspiring Uyghur cultural preservation worldwide. Let us aim for fruitful discussions and sustainable action plans. Thank you!

After Dr. Rishat Abbas’ opening remarks, several distinguished guests addressed the audience, including Mr. Scott Worden (Director, Afghanistan and Central Asia Programs at the United States Institute of Peace), Mr. Brian Vogt (Senior Democracy, Governance, Peace, and Security (DGPS) Advisor), Ms. Viraj M. LeBailly (Minister-Counselor for Public Diplomacy, the US Embassy, Türkiye), Ms. Kim Roy (Foreign Affairs Officer, Office of International Religious Freedom, U.S. Department of State), Mr. Dolkun Isa (President of the World Uyghur Congress), and Turkish political party representatives Doğan Bekin, Selçuk Özdağ, and Melih Rifat Aktaş.

Scott Worden, Director of the Afghanistan and Central Asia Programs at the United States Institute of Peace, addressed the audience and emphasized the significance of collective engagement in discussing, sharing experiences, and learning from one another on the matter of preserving the Uyghur language amidst the genocide. He also outlined both current challenges and future obstacles in safeguarding the Uyghur language.

Mr. Brian Vogt, a Senior Democracy, Governance, Peace, and Security (DGPS) Advisor at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), delivered a speech during the opening ceremony. He conveyed that American institutions focused on democracy, peace, and religious freedom remain committed to raising awareness about the genocide and cultural suppression affecting the Uyghurs. They actively seek to gather public support and persist in their efforts to combat Chinese oppression against the Uyghurs.

Viraj M. LeBailly, Minister-Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the US Embassy in Turkey, acknowledged that the Uyghur language serves as a crucial bond uniting Uyghurs residing across continents. She highlighted that the US Embassy in Turkey has been taking steps to safeguard the Uyghur language and culture, as well as to amplify the voices of Uighurs in Turkey, in alignment with the preceding sections.

Mr. Doğan Bekin, a Member of Parliament of Turkey and Vice Chairman of the New Refah Party, attended the opening ceremony of the conference. In his capacity as a representative of the New Refah Party, they have undertaken numerous practical initiatives to oppose Chinese oppression against their Uyghur brothers and sisters, actively engaging with Uyghur organizations. He declared their commitment to continue supporting Uyghur rights in the future as well.

Associate Prof. Selçuk Özdag, a member of the Turkish Parliament and Vice President of the Future Party, took part in the opening ceremony of the conference. He emphasised that the Uyghur people, with their rich history, should steadfastly uphold their traditional culture and language, regardless of the country they reside in. Uyghurs have diligently preserved their music, art, architecture, and culinary heritage, and now they bear the responsibility of passing it on to the generations to come. He urged, “Wherever Uyghurs may be, let us never forget the Uyghur language and honor it in our use.”

Dr. Rifat Melih Aktaş, the deputy president of the Democratic Party of Turkey, mentioned that the disaster of language and culture assimilation still exists in Central Asia and Uyghur regions, and that the whole of humanity, even the western countries, have not yet succeeded in stopping it. “If Uyghurs lose their language, Uyghurs lose everything, and it is very important to prevent that from happening,” he said.

The President of the World Uyghur Congress, Dolkun Isa, sent his greetings to the conference participants via video. In his speech, he emphasized that it is very important for Uyghurs to preserve their language and culture in the current situation of genocide, and the role played by Uyghur Academy in this field is important. In his speech, he also mentioned that the World Uyghur Congress supports the Uyghur Academy, and that the Uyghur Academy gathered Uyghur intellectuals and researchers in the diaspora to support and strengthen the scientific work, especially the scientific work done behind the scenes by the Uyghur Academy was very significant in the successful outcome of the independent Uyghur court in London.

The first part of the conference was about the Current Situation – Uyghur genocide, identity, and cultural destruction. This part was chaired by Ms. Rushen Abbas, the Executive Director of the Campaign for Uyghurs. Abstract of each speaker is provided below. 

First, Dr. Adrian Zeniz, a Senior Fellow and Director, Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, USA, presented the following report on Key evidence on the Chinese state’s attack on the Uyghur population:

Since the mid-2010s, the Chinese state intensified its attack on the Uyghur population. Between 2015 and 2018, natural population growth rates in southern Xinjiang declined by 85 percent amid draconian new plans to curtail Uyghur population growth through the enforcement of “zero birth control violation incidents” and a “Special Campaign to Control Birth Control Violations”. Birth rates declined further in 2019. In 2020, a report by the “Xinjiang Development Research Center” claimed that Xinjiang’s Uyghur population in 2018 had grown to 12.7 million, one million more than shown in Xinjiang’s official statistical yearbook. This presentation critically examines Beijing’s claims and narratives surrounding the Uyghur population, pointing toward the risk of a continued slow genocide through birth prevention in the region.

Dr. Alim Seytof, director of the Uyghur Service in Radio Free Asia, gave a report on The role of Radio Free Asia in Uyghur diaspora in the following context:

RFA is the sole channel of uncensored local and international news in the Uyghur language inside China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It focuses on breaking news on Uyghur dissent, crackdowns, detentions, and human rights abuses, including China’s ongoing genocide against the Uyghur and other Turkic peoples since 2017. RFA was among the first media groups to break the news about the mass detention of Uyghurs in the internment camps in Xinjiang, with between one to three million Uyghurs detained. Among those detained by the Chinese authorities are not just ordinary Uyghurs and religious believers but also high-level Uyghur intellectuals, scholars, writers, historians, religious figures, thinkers, cultural bearers, musicians and even athletes.

In addition to them, several close relatives of U.S.-based RFA reporters in an apparent attempt to intimidate or punish them for their coverage of the genocide by China.  RFA’s Uyghur Service is also a forum for Uyghurs throughout the world to share their concerns and experiences and to engage with the global community. Reports on Uyghur history, language, and culture are also included in RFA programming, aimed at younger Uyghur audiences. Created in 1998, RFA Uyghur programs include daily news, news analysis, and features on women, health, the environment, human rights, exile communities, education, culture, history, and Uyghur literature. The service’s social media presence includes Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, SoundCloud, podcasts (with stores on iTunes and Google Play), and TuneIn.

Dr. Erkin Ekrem, Associate Professor of History at Turkey’s Hacettepe University and Vice President of the World Uyghur Congress, gave the following report on The Reasons behind China’s Policy of Persecution in East Turkistan:

China’s political culture has historically embodied characteristics of marginalizing Non-Chinese communities. The ideological foundation of the genocidal policy implemented in East Turkistan stems from the mentality of building a great world under China-centric rule and unification. The nature of East Turkistan’s geostrategic and geopolitical positions are also big drivers behind China’s implementation of a genocidal policy in the region. East Turkistan’s geographical location allows it to serve as a region that can either connect or separate China from Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Therefore, East Turkistan has historically played the role of being a gateway or bridge for Chinese domination of Eurasia. If this gateway is closed, China would not only be hindered from accessing the Eurasian region but would also miss the opportunity to become an even more powerful nation.

Throughout history, Chinese politicians have viewed the geography of East Turkistan as a natural barrier that protects China against its enemies. China is also concerned about maintaining the security and stability of East Turkistan because of the wealth of natural resources in the region, which contribute significantly to Chinese economic growth through continuous exploitation. Furthermore, one wing of the Belt and Road Initiative traverses through East Turkistan, making the region’s security and societal stability a strong priority for this Chinese initiative. In other words, the East Turkistan region represents a significant element that affects China’s future. In pursuit of the realization of the “Chinese Dream”, China implements policies ranging from assimilation to genocide in response to the reactions and independent aspirations of the local population.

Dr. David Tobin, a Lecturer in East Asian Studies at the University of Sheffield, UK, presented the following report on Transnational genocide and Uyghur language education:

The Chinese party-state’s transnational repression (TNR) of the Uyghur diaspora internationalizes genocidal processes already taking place within East Turkestan, which seek to eliminate key elements of Uyghur identity: language and religion. TNR harasses rights advocates and ordinary Uyghur diaspora members using family separation, severing them from their homeland, and hindering intergenerational cultural transmission. The party-state’s tactics of threats and surveillance create distrust and discord within the Uyghur community that can lead to self-isolation and difficulties in maintaining connections that hold the community together.

This talk will explain how TNR targets Uyghur cultural practices through family separation and harassment. However, it offers solutions to these challenges by drawing on two models of language preservation given by young bilingual Uyghurs during fieldwork in Urumchi prior to 2017. Both individuals attended China’s experimental bilingual schooling system but explained how it reinforced their Uyghur identity by highlighting their differences and not including their identity in Chinese nationalist narratives. One model of language preservation offered was family-based and places the responsibility for Uyghur language education and cultural preservation with individuals in the home.

The second is public-oriented and seeks to enhance the status of the Uyghur language through public education and symbolism. Drawing on both models, this talk will argue that Uyghur diaspora communities must use different models to achieve different goals. The survival of Uyghur language rests almost entirely on homelife and is an internal community matter. However, resources and targeted funding are required if the community wishes the Uyghur language to be used by researchers and the media towards its promotion as a public language that is known and understood by those external to the community.

Associate Professor Ömer Kul, from Istanbul University’s History Department, gave a report on Chinese Government’s Uyghur Identity Eradication Policy and How to Counter this Policy.

On November 18, 1884, East Turkistan became part of Central China after the Chinese Assembly decided to change its name to Xinjiang. East Turkistan, where serious human rights violations have taken place from the past two centuries, is now facing a “genocide”. The demographic structure in the region has been changed in favor of the Han Chinese ethnicity. Religious and national values ​​are decimated, and cultural assimilation has reached its peak. The daily lives of East Turkistan’s citizens are constantly controlled to force loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party and a full repression regime was implemented using technological advancements. In this paper, the policies executed by the Chinese Communist Party in all areas of life in East Turkistan will be evaluated; then, the ways in which the diaspora can help regarding the genocide process in the region will be listed and explained. We will share our experience on the planned actions the East Turkistan diaspora, especially in Turkey, so that we may note the deficient points and suggest a strategy for moving forward.

The second part of the conference was devoted to Challenges and Opportunities for Preserving Uyghur Culture and Language in the Diaspora. This part was chaired by Associate Professor Rebecca Clothey, Professor and Department Head, Global Studies and Modern Languages, Drexel University, USA, and Dr. Barat Achinuq, Director of the Youth Committee of the Uyghur Academy.

Associate Professor Dr. Rebecca Clothey, Professor and Department Head of Global Studies and Modern Languages at Drexel University, USA, presented a report on “Uyghur Cultural Resilience in Diaspora: Challenges and Opportunities” in which she stated:

This presentation will provide an overview of challenges Uyghurs in diaspora currently face in preserving their culture, through a consideration of some of the current Uyghur cultural initiatives being undertaken within the diaspora community.  The presentation will highlight the challenges and need for cross-national collaboration between diasporic Uyghur communities, generating project funding, and maintaining the sustainability of such projects.  It will provide specific examples of initiatives that are happening at the grass-roots level in several countries where Uyghurs reside. The information is drawn from a needs assessment funded by the US Institute of Peace and conducted in collaboration with Dr. Sean Roberts. The presentation is based on feedback from interviews with Uyghurs working in various cultural spheres globally, including in the arts, literature, and education.

Professor Erkin Emet, Ankara University’s Modern Turkish Language Department lecturer and World Uyghur Congress Spokesperson, presented the following report on Promoters of the Uyghur language and Strategies for Language Preservation:

In East Turkistan, which has endured colonial rule for many years, the field of language and literature research faces severe restrictions. While language itself is not a prerequisite for defining a nation, language policies play a crucial role in shaping society. Consequently, language holds significant importance in shaping national identity and influencing the future of nations. Since 2003, China has implemented a policy disguised as bilingual education, aiming to eradicate the Uyghur language. If this policy persists, the influence of the Chinese language will continue to grow, rendering the Uyghur language devoid of any societal function. Consequently, like other Turkic peoples worldwide, the Uyghur language faces the risk of extinction.

In my talk, I will provide a brief overview of the individuals and organizations involved in modern Uyghur language research in Turkey, starting from the early 20th century up to the present day. Additionally, I will examine the factors contributing to the disconnection between Uyghur youth and their mother tongue while proposing necessary measures to address this issue. Furthermore, I will draw insights from various nations worldwide that have successfully preserved their languages and cultures, sharing their experiences as valuable examples.

Professor Alimcan Inayet, lecturer of the department of Folklore Sciences of the Turkic World Research Institute of Ege University, presented a report on “The Significance of Safeguarding Uyghur Culture and Identity” in the following content:

Since national identity and culture are the most significant factors that determine the existence of a nation, the Chinese regime is implementing a policy of cultural assimilation in East Turkistan. Their objective is to deprive the Uyghur people of their culture and replace it with a Chinese identity. As Uyghurs in the diaspora, it becomes crucial for us to maintain our national identity. While integrating into the culture of the countries and societies in which we reside, we should place significant importance on preserving our national culture and identity. This is vital for the continuation of the East Turkistan national struggle.

To achieve this goal, we need to prioritize mother tongue education. We should promote the use of professional and systematic online schools, develop a comprehensive collection of textbooks in our mother tongue, establish a team of qualified mother tongue teachers, and establish full-time schools that teach in our mother tongue. Additionally, we should offer courses that focus on the Uyghur language and culture, arrange lectures and discussion programs, utilize Uyghur national festivals and traditions, globalize Uyghur food culture, and build Uyghur communities. It is essential to develop newspapers, magazines and publishing houses, create business ventures, generate job opportunities for Uyghur youth, and harness the power of social media.

Mother tongue education should be on the agenda of all organizations, and they should seek funding from countries and governments and international non-governmental organizations to support these efforts.

Mr. Abdulhakim Idris, Executive Director of the Uyghur Research Center, presented a report on “The role of Islam in the Preservation of Uyghur Culture” as follows:

The role Islam plays in preserving the Uyghur culture and language is critical. Islam has been intertwined with the Uyghur culture for several centuries functioning as a shield to protect the Uyghurs against assimilation. Islam is the most significant factor in guaranteeing the social, economic, and moral principles of the Uyghurs. The Uyghurs in the diaspora have a great responsibility to preserve the identity, culture and language of their community. These efforts have been thwarted over the last seven decades, as the Chinese Communist Party has actively worked to create a disconnect between Uyghur religious scholars and intellectuals. In order to preserve the Uyghur customs and traditions, Uyghur religious scholars and intellectuals must work together towards a unified goal.

The Uyghurs in the diaspora have the opportunity to use the Uyghur language to teach religion in language schools, in giving sermons, as well as at other religious and cultural events. The Uyghur language schools should teach Islam in Uyghur. The history of Islam in East Turkistan and Islamic values of mercy, courage, and freedom should be incorporated into school curriculums. Uyghur language schools from Central Asia, Türkiye, Europe, and North America should acknowledge the role of Islam in Uyghur culture and the contributions of Uyghur scholars to the preservation of the national existence of the Uyghurs since the Chinese occupation in 1949. In this way, we can address the disconnect the CCP has created between the Uyghurs’ culture and religion. As a result, we will be able to achieve a greater impact in preserving the Uyghur culture in the diaspora.

Mrs. Rahima Mehmut, director of the London office of the World Uyghur Congress, presented a report on “Preserving the Soul of a Nation: Language, Literature, and Music” in the following content:

Over the past six years, the Chinese regime has imprisoned approximately 3 million Uyghurs in concentration camps, where they are subjected to atrocious acts that constitute genocide. Our culture has been relentlessly targeted through multiple tactics, the Uyghur language has been censored, historic mosques demolished, our traditions outlawed, and numerous cultural figures, including renowned musicians, poets, and intellectuals, have disappeared. In the face of immense suffering endured by the Uyghur people under the Chinese regime, my talk will highlight the vital role of music, art, and literary translation in preserving and sharing Uyghur culture. As a Uyghur activist in exile, I utilize music and the ensemble, The London Silk Road Collective, to give voice to Uyghur songs and raise awareness about the atrocities faced by the Uyghur community. I also share my experience in activism, which involves the translation of testimonies by survivors of Chinese concentration camps, conveying the profound trauma experienced by the Uyghur community to a global audience. Furthermore, I will emphasize the importance of rebuilding cultural traditions for the younger generation in the diaspora as a means of safeguarding the rich heritage and of exploring identities beyond trauma. Lastly, the influence of music and art in Uyghur human rights campaigns is emphasized as a powerful means of defiance and demand for transformative change, serving as a lifeline for the community’s resilience in the face of ongoing genocide.

The third part of the conference was devoted to the Importance of language preservation and methodologies for Uyghur language teaching and this part was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Mağfiret Kamal and Prof. Erkin Emet.

Ms. Rukiyem Ismail, a eacher at Uyghur language school in Kazakhstan, presented a report on “Brief information about the Uyghur schools in Kazakhstan” and presented the following:

Uyghurs residing in Kazakhstan enjoy various favorable conditions provided by the multiethnic state. Within Kazakhstan, the Uyghur community can develop our culture, education, literature, and art both in multilingual schools and schools that teach in our native language. We have the chance to publish newspapers and magazines in our mother tongue and participate in ethnic theater activities. Cultural and educational centers have been built in Almaty and in surrounding regions with large Uyghur populations. We have schools in Almaty City, Emgekchi-Kazakh, Panfilov, Talghir, as well as Uyghur counties. It is worth noting that several schools in these areas are named after prominent Uyghur figures, including notable political figure Abdulla Rozybakiev, linguist Gojakhmet Sadvakasov, and renowned poets Iliyar Bakhtiyar and Khelil Hamra.

Assoc. Prof. Reyila Abdulwahit Kaşgarli, a lecturer at Istanbul University, gave a report on “Challenges and Solutions in Teaching Uyghur Mother Tongue in Diaspora“:

The current historical significance of promoting education of the Uyghur mother tongue abroad is undeniable. However, numerous challenges lie ahead in accomplishing this crucial task. This talk aims to address these challenges and propose potential solutions.

Primary obstacles: 1) Temporary nature of the schools; 2) Limited focus on Uyghur language; 3) Lack of systematic course materials; 4) Shortage of teachers.

Potential solutions: 1) Encouraging Uyghur language use within families and cultivate a love for the mother tongue among children; 2) Prioritizing the opening of schools in areas with substantial Uyghur populations  to enable the implementation of regular education in Uyghur; 3) Developing systematic course materials such as ongoing efforts supported by the Uyghur Academy; 4) Training professional educators to specialize in Uyghur mother tongue education; 5) Generating or securing financial resources for the successful implementation of these plans and programs.

Mr. Saifullah Abdullaev, a professor at the Issyk-Kul State University in Kyrgyz Republic, presented a report on the topic “Opportunities for the preservation and development of the Uyghur language in Kyrgyzstan” and presented the following opinion:

In Kyrgyzstan, Uyghurs primarily reside in Chui, Issiqkol, and Osh districts. Preserving and developing the Uyghur mother tongue has become an urgent concern for Uyghur communities in Kyrgyzstan. Previously, the situation was more favorable, with Uyghur classes available in the Chui district and a Uyghur philology faculty at Kyrgyz National University. Issiqkol district No. 5 High School offered Uyghur language classes for grades 1 to 9. However, the current situation is notably different, as there are no specific courses exclusively dedicated to Uyghur language instruction.

To safeguard our mother tongue and Uyghur culture, it is crucial to acknowledge certain realities and implement appropriate measures. Our current goals are to focus on opening Uyghur language classes in regions with large Uyghur populations and employing specialized teaching methods in other regions. Moreover, active participation in online native language classes can prove valuable. Establishing dedicated mother tongue sections in the Kyrgyzstan-published “Ittipak” newspaper would also be instrumental in advancing these endeavors.

Mrs. Selime A. Kamal, the founder of Sydney Uyghur Language School, gave a report on “The mother language is the basis of the spirit of a nation” and made the following point of view:

The mother tongue serves as a vital connection between a nation and its roots. Unfortunately, our mother tongue is prohibited in our home country. When residing abroad, there are two crucial actions that must be taken. Firstly, we must preserve and safeguard our mother tongue. Secondly, we must pass down our rich history, intimately intertwined with our mother tongue, to future generations. Failing to do so would result in the loss of our national identity, which flourishes through language, spirit, culture, consciousness, and will. The culture encompasses a nation’s heritage rooted in its mother tongue. To ensure the inheritance and perpetuation of our culture, future generations must comprehend the language. Proficiency in both spoken and written forms of the mother tongue deepens national thinking and fosters an understanding of the value of history and culture. In our present circumstances, national consciousness must not remain a mere academic term emphasized in words alone. Sustaining mother tongue-based education is crucial for awakening and strengthening the national consciousness. This process requires persistence, as it unfolds gradually and may not yield immediate results. If the flag of our mother tongue does not falter, the flag of our nation will prevail. It is the very core of our national existence and demands uninterrupted continuity. Thus, we must cultivate the national determination to ensure its enduring continuity. In this article, I will share the experiences, outcomes, and challenges encountered during the 17 years since the establishment of Sydney Umit Uyghur Mother Tongue School.

Ms. Sureye Ablimit, the Founder and Teacher of Ana Care at Virginia Uyghur language school, USA, presented the following views on the topic of “Scaling an Uyghur school – Lessons learned in expanding an organization“:

Every society bears a significant responsibility to cherish, preserve, and perpetuate its mother tongue and culture. In 2017, the Uyghur Mother Tongue School was founded in Virginia, USA, with the primary objective of safeguarding and revitalizing the Uyghur language and culture. Over the years, our school has steadily progressed, accumulating valuable experiences and knowledge regarding the establishment and management of this important institution. My talk focuses on our achievements in organizational success, resource acquisition, community support, funding, human resource management techniques, and the role of a cultural center in educating students, parents, and the wider community. It also delves into the systematic and structured development of a Uyghur mother tongue school. I aim to share my subjective experiences and the valuable lessons I have learned regarding school management.

Ms. Peride Niyaz, the Director of Uyghur language school in Germany, advanced the following views on the topic of “How can we preserve our Uyghur language?“: 

The Uyghur language is currently facing challenges both in our homeland and among Uyghurs abroad. The Chinese invaders in East Turkistan are imposing their colonial education system, aiming to eradicate our language and undermine our identity. Additionally, some Uyghurs living outside our homeland have unfortunately neglected the importance of our mother tongue. Preserving the Uyghur language is crucial for the survival of our nation. If we allow this neglect to continue, our language will gradually disappear, leading to the loss of our cultural heritage. It is the responsibility of every Uyghur in the diaspora to recognize the significance of protecting our mother tongue, which requires urgent planning and taking action. So, what should we do to preserve our Uyghur language abroad? Every Uyghur is anxiously waiting for a satisfactory answer to this question. In this talk, I will attempt to summarize these answers, combined with the lessons learned and achievements gained in the process of establishing Uyghur language education in Germany.

Part 4-1 of the conference was about Framework for Transnational collaboration to preserve and maintain Uyghur Language / Culture. This part was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Mamet Emin, the vice president of the Uyghur Academy – USA, and Dr. Abduxukur Abdurexit, the president of the Uyghur Academy – Europe.

Mr. Tursuntay Salimov, president of the Uyghur Union in Kyrgyzstan and a former member of the Kyrgyz Parliament, presented the following views on the topic of “What can we do to preserve the Uyghur language and culture in Kyrgyzstan?“:

On March 12, 2023, I was elected as the president of the Kyrgyzstan Uyghur Union Association. Our primary objective is to preserve the Uyghur language and culture within Kyrgyzstan. Through organizing the central council of the association, we have established dedicated teams focused on teaching our native tongue and culture to our community. Our committed team is predominantly composed of talented women who aim to establish Uyghur language courses and cultural centers in regions of Kyrgyzstan with significant Uyghur populations, effectively engaging and educating the youth about the Uyghur language and culture.

Mr. Perhat Muhammedi, the Vice President of the World Uyghur Congress in Germany, presented the following views on the topic of “Filling each other’s space is the basis of cooperation in Uyghur organizations“: 

Nowadays, conflict between various Uyghur organizations in the diaspora has emerged as a prominent issue. The primary sources of this discord can be attributed to a relentless pursuit of blind competition, wherein organizations strive to imitate one another’s actions without thoughtful consideration.  Furthermore, the exacerbation of the situation is attributed to an inclination to excessively immerse themselves in the internal affairs of fellow organizations, with the objective of strategically undermining their political, structural, and social foundations.

In order to address and overcome these challenges, it is crucial to prioritize the welfare of the nation and the unity of the population. It is imperative to adopt the mantra of “I fill the void that you can’t manage”, thereby emphasizing our collective responsibility to support one another in areas where individual organizations may fall short. Rather than harboring jealousy, we must perceive the achievements of other organizations as shared accomplishments for our cause as a whole.

Mr. Abdulcelil Turan, the President of the Taklimakan Uyghur Publishing House in Istanbul, presented the following views on the topic of “The Role of Uyghur Publishing in Protecting Uyghur Identity – Teklimakan Publishing Works“:

Founded by Mr. Abduljalil Turan, Teklimakan Uyghur Publishing House has published nearly 300 items encompassing historical, political, religious and literary themes over the past 25 years since its establishment in 1995. Mr. Turan has preserved more than a thousand books and journals from East Turkistan by digitalizing them. These resources not only serve the international Uyghur community, but also researchers currently studying Uyghur culture. As the oldest and most prolific publishing house in the Uyghur diaspora, Teklimakan Uyghur Publishing House has made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Uyghur language, culture, and history.

Ms. Elfidar Iltebir, the President of Uyghur American Association in USA, presented the following views on the topic of “How to preserve Uyghur identity?“: 

In this talk, we aim to address these pressing questions: How has the Uyghur American Association been making efforts to preserve and promote Uyghur language, Uyghur culture, and Uyghur identity in the US diaspora in recent years? Why is it important to preserve the language and identity for Uyghurs in the US and the Western world? What can we do to raise our children with Uyghur tradition and values? What can we do to promote and preserve the Uyghur language and culture for the future generation in East Turkistan?

Dr. Muhtar Bughra, the President of Uyghur Academy – Japan, presented the following views on the topic of “The power of the Uyghur language is the power of the Uyghur people“: 

Renowned German philosopher Martin Heidegger once famously said “Language is the home of existence”. Indeed, the Uyghur language is the home of Uyghur existence. Our mother tongue stands as our primary symbol, and at the core of the concept of “Uyghur” lies the Uyghur language. To substantiate the notion that the Uyghur language is a philosophical language, this talk explores its expressive and aesthetic qualities, drawing comparisons to languages such as Greek, Latin, and German. Through practical evidence, the inherent power in the Uyghur language is demonstrated, which has been strongly evidenced by our classical literary works, such as “Qutadgubilig” and “Hamsa”. Building upon this evidence, the talk sheds light on the moral and legal obligations of each Uyghur individual. It proposes concrete solutions to the challenges and issues at hand and concludes with the bold statement that the foundation of the “Uyghur nation will be built upon the Uyghur language”.

Dr. Askar Himit, the President of Uyghur Academy – Canada, presented the following views on the topic of “Addressing the ongoing activities to preserve Uyghur language and culture in Canada and its future perspective“: 

Since early 2016, the Chinese government, under the administration of the Chinese Communist party (CCP), radicalized its oppression policy against Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in East Turkistan. As defined by the United Nations, this oppression policy is characterized as genocide.  Under these CCP policies, millions of Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities have been and currently are being incarcerated without any legal process.  The Uyghur language, culture, and historical textbooks are outlawed.  Our Uyghur intellectuals and religious figures have been illegally detained and disappeared.  The Uyghur language and culture are facing a tremendous crisis of being eliminated.  It is our obligation to preserve the Uyghur language and culture.

Under the leadership of the East Turkistan Association of Canada, Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, and Uyghur Academy Canada, Uyghurs in Canada have carried on activities to preserve Uyghur language and culture within the diaspora. As a result, Uyghur language and cultural learning centers were opened in major cities in Canada. Currently, between 300 and 400 Uyghur children are studying Uyghur literature and culture at these centers.  Additionally, we are educating approximately 100 – 150 Uyghur children through online Uyghur language courses.  To preserve Uyghur language and culture, Uyghurs in Canada hold traditional Uyghur weddings, monthly community parties, ‘Meshrap’, and different kinds of sporting activities.  In the near future, after providing refuge to an additional 10,000 Uyghurs, we are confident that Canada will become a premier country for Uyghur language and cultural preservation.

Part 4-2 of the conference was about Framework for Transnational collaboration to preserve and maintain Uyghur Language / Culture. This part was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Mamatimin Abbas, the Chairman of Executive Board of Uyghur Academy and Mr. Abdulhamit Karahan, the Secretary-General of Uyghur Academy.

Dr. Alimjan Khamrayev, the Professor of Kazakhstan Academy of Science and President of Uyghur Academy – Eurasia, presented the following views on the topic of “Ethno-Culture and Education in the Age of Independence“: 

We all bear the responsibility of preserving and advancing education of the Uyghur language. In Kazakhstan, concerns have been raised through articles about the potential loss of progress made in Uyghur language education in the past years, which is deeply troubling for the Uyghur community in Kazakhstan. There are several pressing issues confronting the education in Uyghur language in Kazakhstan. For example, one such issue is the necessity of sustaining Uyghur language schools following the transition to a multilingual education system. The preservation of Uyghur language schools is crucial in upholding our right to educate in our mother tongue and promote the principle of equality. Thus, it is essential to address key challenges such as establishing schools and cultural centers, nurturing talented individuals, and fortifying their knowledge base.

Dr. Farhat Kurban Tanrıdağlı, the former President of Uyghur Academy Foundation – Turkey,  presented the following views on the topic of “The Importance of Mahmud Kashgari (Uyghur) University in preserving the presence of Uyghurs in the Diaspora“: 

The establishment of Mahmud Kashgari University will play a pivotal role in safeguarding, preserving, and advancing the ethnic and spiritual values that have been targeted in the cultural genocide happening in East Turkistan. Furthermore, it will serve as a catalyst to foster national consciousness among Uyghur youth in the diaspora, instilling them with purpose and responsibility.

Mahmud Kashgari University possesses significant potential to enhance the global perception of Uyghurs, both in Turkey and worldwide. By showcasing the Uyghur community as a resilient and independent society capable of creating value under any circumstances, the university aims to underscore the fact that Uyghurs are not a pitiable group, but rather a contributing force to the shared civilization of humanity, as demonstrated throughout the history.

Mr. Behtiyar Omer, the President of Norway Uyghur Association and the Director of Uyghur Transitional Justice Database in Norway, presented the following views on the topic of “Actions and plans to preserve the Uyghur language and culture in Norway“: 

The Norwegian Uyghur Committee, founded in 2003, prioritized teaching the Uyghur mother tongue as its initial objective. The children who learned their mother tongue during that time have now grown up, become independent, and are actively involved in Uyghur-related work. However, there are challenges in preserving the Uyghur language and culture in Norway. One of them is the lack of emphasis on national awakening and the mother tongue among parents compared to the enthusiasm seen in children. Another issue is the shortage of volunteer teachers to teach the Uyghur language to children.

Furthermore, while resources for early childhood education in the mother tongue are abundant, there is a lack of focus on Uyghur language and cultural education for the youth. To address these challenges, it is important to increase children’s enthusiasm for learning the mother tongue by implementing modern teaching methods similar to those of local schools.  Emphasis should be placed on promoting love, vocal advocacy, and active engagement in fostering unity, solidarity, and cooperation within the Uyghur community—essential qualities that are currently lacking. Additionally, creating global Uyghur children’s activity centers would enable a conducive environment for learning and experiencing their language, religion, and culture together.

Mr. Shakir Shamsy, the President of the Texas Uyghur Society in USA, presented the following views on the topic of “The Efforts of Texas Uyghur Communities and Schools on Preserving Uyghur Culture and Language“: 

Since the first Uyghur family settled in Texas in 1998, the local Uyghur population has consistently expanded, and currently consists of around 500 individuals. Their thriving communities are clustered around Houston, Dallas, and, to a lesser degree, Austin.  Both the Houston and Dallas communities have a Uyghur Heritage School and given the recent boom in Uyghur population in Austin, there is also need for a school there. The focal point of the presentation will be the preservation efforts made by the Uyghur communities of Texas through the lens of their heritage schools. Given the years of experience and success in teaching and preserving the Uyghur language and culture to the Uyghur youth of Texas, we believe that the Texas model serves as a template for the rest of the United States to preserve the Uyghur heritage amongst subsequent generations.

Ms. Mahire Isa, the President of the UK Uyghur Association, presented the following views on the topic of “Preserve Uyghur culture & language in UK“: 

In November 2021, London Uyghur Language School was opened, and 30 students of various ages enrolled. Lessons at this school encompass the Uyghur language, history, traditions, culture, religion and traditional physical activities. This presentation will address specific concerns like inadequate funding leading to insecure facility arrangements, curricular shortages, lack of training for teachers, and support gaps for Uyghur families leading to low engagement among parents and students. While these concerns are temporary setbacks, the unified understanding of the importance of preserving Uyghur Culture and Language has created a passion and zeal for activism within the community to ensure the next generation is educated in the Uyghur culture.

Mr. Abdureshit Abdulhamit, the President of World Uyghur Congress Foundation in Türkiye, presented the following views on the topic of “On the cooperation of organizations in the preservation of the Uyghur language and culture in the Uyghur diaspora“: 

Cooperation encompasses a vast array of intricate phenomena observed among living organisms, as well as interactions between living and non-living entities. From a human standpoint, cooperation can be traced back to the dawn of humankind. It involves an amalgamation of multiple individuals and organizations towards a specific objective. This collaborative nature of human development intertwines with our social, fiscal, and cultural lifestyles, representing an integral facet of our existence. Various forms of cooperation exist, and in this talk, my primary focus will revolve around the significance of fostering collaboration between East Turkistan Uyghur organizations and other entities to safeguard the Uyghur language and culture, which currently face the imminent threat of extinction in East Turkistan. Furthermore, I will underscore the importance of defining the basis for cooperation and establishing an enduring cooperative mechanism in the diaspora.

At the conclusion of the conference, Dr. Mamatimin Abbas and Dr. Mağfiret Kamal provided a summary of today’s proceedings. In their closing remarks, they highlighted that Uyghur language teachers, intellectuals, artists, and organisations responsible for safeguarding the Uyghur language and culture in the Uyghur diaspora, hailing from various countries, engaged in discussions on establishing a cooperative framework between nations and advocated for the enduring protection of the Uyghur heritage. They also announced that the 2nd and 3rd days of the conference would focus on specific topics, and extended their gratitude to both the presenters and participants.

Subsequently, students from Ankara Uyghur mother tongue schools showcased songs, poems, and anecdotes they had prepared for the audience. Additionally, the performances of Muqam and folk songs by esteemed artists, including Muhtar Abdukerim Janbaz, Shohrat Tursun, and Rahima Mahmut, uplifted the spirits of all and provided entertainment to the participants. The Uyghur national cultural items exhibited in the conference hall ignited the Uyghur identity within the hearts of every Uyghur and fostered the dissemination of the Uyghur national spirit.

On the 2nd and 3rd days of the workshop, the following topics were discussed:

Focusing on the different difficulties faced by language schools and the Uyghur community through discussions and councils, explore ways of cooperation between countries that will help to overcome these difficulties.

To explore the methodology of teaching Uyghur language, to discuss the experimental lessons on teaching young teenagers in their mother tongue and the newly developed Uyghur language curriculum.

Consolidate economic resources between countries and establish an international cooperation model and discuss cooperation projects funded by the aid program.