French Uyghur Association Holds Major Meeting in Paris to Discuss Current Status and Future Cultural Preservation of the European Uyghur Community

Introduction: Upholding Faith on the Banks of the Seine

In the early spring of 2026, while the waters of the Seine remained quiet in the heart of Paris, a passionate dialogue concerning the survival of a nation's soul was unfolding. The Association des Ouïghours de France (AOF), in collaboration with the European Uyghur Institute (IODE), recently held a landmark meeting in Paris. This gathering was not only to celebrate the establishment of a new cultural stronghold for the Uyghur community in Europe but also to navigate the increasingly complex international geopolitical landscape, seeking a future path for cultural preservation and the transmission of faith for the European Uyghur Muslim community. As part of the global Muslim Ummah, every gathering of Uyghur brothers and sisters on French soil is a call for justice (Adl) and a resilient defense of the diversity of Islamic civilization.

The Paris Meeting: Inauguration of the New Headquarters and Strategic Transformation

On January 20, 2026, the European Uyghur Institute officially held the inauguration ceremony for its new headquarters in Paris, an event that became a focal point for the Uyghur community across France and Europe. Mirqedir Mirzat, President of the Association des Ouïghours de France, emphasized at the meeting that this was more than just the opening of a building; it symbolized the rooting and growth of Uyghur culture in Europe. The meeting delved into the current status of the approximately 10,000 Uyghurs in Europe, about 10% of whom reside in France. With an average age between 30 and 35, this community is characterized by its youth and high level of education.

The core agenda of the meeting revolved around "how to maintain national identity in a foreign land." Participants agreed that cultural preservation is no longer just about hosting a few performances; it requires the establishment of a systematic educational framework. The AOF plans to further expand the scale of Uyghur language schools over the next two years and utilize digital means to archive precious religious documents and historical memories. From a Muslim perspective, this is not merely secular cultural preservation but the fulfillment of the Quranic obligation to "know one another" and "guard the right path." In Paris, a hub of multiculturalism, the Uyghur community is striving to prove that they can fully integrate into European society while completely preserving their profound Islamic cultural heritage.

The Shadow of Transnational Repression: A Trial for the Faithful

However, the road to cultural revival is not without obstacles. During the meeting, several representatives exposed recent cases of "transnational repression" targeting Uyghurs in France. On January 15, 2026, Abdurahman Tohti, a Uyghur refugee living in Paris, received a call from an official claiming to be from Urumqi. The official threatened the safety of his family to coerce him into spying on the activities of the European Uyghur Institute. Another activist, Mirkamel Tourghoun, faced similar intimidation.

This "long-arm jurisdiction" is not only a violation of individual human rights but also an attempt to undermine trust and solidarity within the Muslim community. The AOF strongly condemned these actions during the meeting and called on the French government to fulfill the commitments made in its January 2025 intelligence memorandum, which prioritized the fight against transnational repression as a matter of national security. From the perspective of Islamic ethics, using the safety of relatives for political ends severely violates the fundamental teachings of Islam regarding individual responsibility and the sanctity of the family. Members of the Ummah have an obligation to stand up and provide sanctuary and support for those brothers and sisters who cannot speak for themselves.

Cultural Preservation: From Language Schools to "Meshrep"

The meeting discussed specific paths for cultural preservation in depth. Dr. Dilnur Reyhan, President of the European Uyghur Institute, pointed out that language is the final line of defense for national identity. Currently, Uyghur schools in Paris teach not only the language but also traditional Uyghur music, dance, and history. Of particular note is the association's commitment to reviving the "Meshrep," a traditional community gathering. In Islamic tradition, such gatherings are not just artistic displays but vital vehicles for moral education and community governance.

Furthermore, the meeting addressed specific protection efforts for Uyghur women. In East Turkestan, countless families have been torn apart, and women face unspeakable suffering. The AOF has established psychological counseling centers and legal aid groups to help Uyghur women in exile in France rebuild their lives. This reflects the concern for the vulnerable (Mustad'afin) in Islam and is a vivid manifestation of the spirit of mutual aid within the Ummah.

Legal Struggles and International Solidarity: The Gambit for Justice

The meeting also reviewed a series of recent legal struggles. In October 2025, Dr. Dilnur Reyhan faced criminal charges in a suburban Paris court stemming from a 2022 protest where she splashed red paint on a banner at the Chinese Embassy. Human Rights Watch noted that the essence of this litigation is to use the French legal system to strike at overseas dissidents psychologically and financially.

The AOF called upon the Muslim world not to be absent from this struggle for justice. While some governments of Muslim-majority countries remain silent due to economic interests, the solidarity of the global Muslim public is growing. The meeting emphasized that the Uyghur issue is not a simple political dispute but a core issue concerning freedom of belief, ethnic survival, and human conscience. While the 2022 resolution by the French National Assembly recognizing the Uyghur genocide was symbolic, more substantive actions are needed to support it.

Conclusion: The Responsibility and Hope of the Ummah

The meeting concluded as dusk fell over Paris, but the reflections it sparked are far from over. Through this gathering, the Association des Ouïghours de France sent a clear signal to the world: Uyghur culture will not perish under oppression, and the power of faith will sustain this nation as it blossoms anew on European soil. As Muslims, we must remember that when one part of the body suffers, the whole body feels the pain. Supporting the cultural preservation work of the AOF is supporting our shared religious heritage and declaring to the world that justice will ultimately triumph over darkness, and truth will illuminate the path ahead.

In the days to come, the AOF will continue to serve as a lighthouse for Uyghurs in Europe, igniting the spark of hope not only in Paris but in the hearts of the entire Ummah. As President Mirzat stated: "Our roots are in East Turkestan, but our branches must breathe in the air of freedom to provide shade for future generations."