Uyghurs in Istanbul protest Chinese brutalities on 28th Ghulja Massacre anniversary
Uyghur Protesters in Istanbul Demand Justice on Ghulja Massacre Anniversary
In Istanbul, Turkey, over 1,200 exiled Uyghurs gathered outside the Chinese Consulate to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the Ghulja Massacre. The protest was led by Hidayet Oguzhan, President of the International Union of East Turkestan Organisations (IUETO), and supported by various NGOs advocating for Uyghur rights. This demonstration highlighted the ongoing struggle of the Uyghur people, especially as support from the Turkish government wanes.
The Ghulja Massacre
The Ghulja Massacre occurred in 1997 when thousands of Uyghurs in East Turkistan protested against the arrest of young Muslims during Ramadan. The peaceful protest was met with violence as Chinese forces opened fire, killing at least 100 people. Many were later sentenced to death or disappeared, with survivors recounting torture in Chinese detention.
Crackdown on Uyghur Culture
The Chinese government has tightened its control over Uyghur religious and cultural life, targeting events like meshrep gatherings and youth soccer tournaments. The massacre marked a significant point in the Uyghur struggle, which has been described as a genocide.
In 2010, UNESCO recognized Meshrep as an important cultural heritage, but the World Uyghur Congress reports that China has criminalized it, using it for propaganda. The protest in Istanbul served as a remembrance and a call for justice.
Doubts Revealed
Uyghur
Uyghurs are a group of people who mostly live in a region called Xinjiang in China. They have their own unique culture, language, and traditions.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a big city in Turkey. It is known for its rich history and is a place where people from different cultures live.
Ghulja Massacre
The Ghulja Massacre happened in 1997 when Chinese forces stopped peaceful protests by Uyghur people in a city called Ghulja. Many people were hurt or killed during this event.
Exiled
Exiled means being forced to leave your home country and live somewhere else. The Uyghurs in Istanbul are living away from their home in China.
Chinese Consulate
A consulate is a place where officials from one country work in another country. The Chinese Consulate in Istanbul is where Chinese officials work in Turkey.
Hidayet Oguzhan
Hidayet Oguzhan is a leader who helps organize protests and speaks up for the rights of Uyghur people.
Genocide
Genocide is when a group of people is targeted and harmed because of their race, religion, or culture. The Uyghur people are facing such treatment in China.
UNESCO
UNESCO is a part of the United Nations that helps protect culture and education around the world. They recognize the importance of Uyghur culture.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *