November 11, 2024, Uyghur Academy

Various East Turkistan organizations, including the World Uyghur Congress, Uyghur Academy, Campaign for Uyghurs, East Turkistan Federation, Uyghur Human Rights Project, Uyghur Research Center, East Turkistan Foundation, World Uyghur Writers Union, Uyghur Education Foundation, and Taklamakan Uyghur Publishing House, jointly held a commemorative meeting on Sunday, November 10, at 09:00 AM in Istanbul Güngören. The event marked the 91st anniversary of the East Turkistan Islamic Republic established in Kashgar on November 12, 1933, and the 80th anniversary of the East Turkistan Republic established in Ghulja on November 12, 1944. The meeting was attended by organization leaders, intellectuals, and students from Istanbul, along with many East Turkistan representatives.

The meeting was chaired by Abdulhamit Karahan, chairman of the Uyghur Academy Foundation. The program began with Quran recitation and a minute of silence for martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland. This was followed by the East Turkistan National Anthem and Turkish National Anthem.

The opening speech was delivered by Abduljelil Turan, director of the World Uyghur Congress Religious Affairs Committee. A video message from Turgunjam Alawudun, president of the World Uyghur Congress, was played. Various other leaders gave speeches or had their messages presented, including representatives from different Uyghur organizations.

The academic portion of the meeting included presentations on:
•⁠ ⁠The state structure of the East Turkistan Islamic Republic by Dr. Alimjan Bugda
•⁠ ⁠The legacy of the republic’s founders by Dr. Adiljan Eruyghur
•⁠ ⁠A commemoration of Uyghur historian Turghun Almas’s 100th birth anniversary
•⁠ ⁠Discussion of peace agreements between the East Turkistan Republics and the Chinese Republic by Dr. Erkin Ekrem
•⁠ ⁠A presentation about Ahmetjan Qasimi on his 110th birth anniversary

The meeting concluded with prayers led by Habibullah Koseni, chairman of the Uyghur Education Foundation, for all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for East Turkistan’s independence. Commemorative photos were taken, and books about the East Turkistan Republic were presented to participating scholars and organization leaders.

The commemorative meeting, attended by prominent Uyghur figures, concluded successfully in a spirited atmosphere.