International Uyghur Scholars Association Convenes Global Intellectuals for Scientific Symposium on East Turkistan

Introduction: The Responsibility of Intellectuals and the Awakening of the Ummah

Today, the systemic genocide and religious oppression faced by the people of East Turkistan have become a shared grievance not only for one nation but for the entire Islamic Ummah. Under the Chinese Communist Party’s policy of "Sinicizing" Islam, mosques are being destroyed, religious scholars are being imprisoned, and efforts to erase the identity of Uyghur Muslims are intensifying. In response, Uyghur intellectuals in the diaspora are standing as a scientific and intellectual bulwark. Recently, the International Uyghur Scholars Association (in coordination with the East Turkistan Scholars Union) gathered Uyghur intellectuals from around the world in Istanbul for a major scientific symposium titled "The Struggle for Existence and Scientific Counter-resistance." This meeting represents a significant turning point in strengthening the academic foundation of the East Turkistan cause and defining future strategies.

Background and Primary Objectives of the Symposium

Held in Istanbul in May 2025, this symposium was attended by numerous academics, researchers, and religious scholars from countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Malaysia, and Turkey. The primary objective was to expose China’s genocidal policies in East Turkistan through scientific evidence, discuss ways to preserve Uyghur national and religious identity, and conduct more effective advocacy on international platforms.

During the symposium, specialized reports were presented on themes such as the "Independence Movement" and the "Struggle for Existence." It is crucial to emphasize that this gathering of Uyghur scholars is not merely a political event but a "scientific jihad" based on Islamic principles. Speaking the truth against oppression and protecting a nation’s knowledge and enlightenment are among the essential duties mandated by Sharia.

Scientific Counter-resistance: A Tool for Identity Preservation

In the academic papers presented, the criminal nature of the "boarding school" system used by China to eliminate the Uyghur language and culture was analyzed in detail. Reports published by the Center for Uyghur Studies (CUS) indicate that the Chinese government is separating millions of Uyghur children from their families, attempting to make them forget their Islamic faith and mother tongue.

To counter this cultural genocide, scholars proposed systematizing Uyghur education in the diaspora and utilizing digital platforms to disseminate mother tongue and religious knowledge. Additionally, the 2nd Scientific Symposium for East Turkistan Theology Students was held during the event, placing special emphasis on nurturing a new generation of scholars. This is a vital step toward building the nation’s future on a scientific foundation.

The Islamic World and the Responsibility of the Ummah

Another critical theme of the symposium was breaking the silence of the Islamic world regarding the East Turkistan issue. Scholars emphasized the need to publish more works in Arabic and establish direct communication with religious leaders in Muslim countries to counter China’s propaganda efforts in the Arab and Muslim worlds.

From an Islamic perspective, the oppression of one Muslim is the pain of the entire Ummah. Participants in discussions on "The Ummatic Turn" argued that the East Turkistan issue is not just a human rights matter but a question of the survival of Islamic civilization. China’s attempts to alter Islam in East Turkistan pose a threat to the faith security of Muslims worldwide. Therefore, it is a religious obligation for Muslim scholars to unite and say "no" to this oppression.

Refuting China’s "Sinicization of Islam" Policy

A point of particular focus was the religious repression China is exercising in East Turkistan. Reports from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) show that the Chinese government has detained over 1,000 imams and religious figures. In response, the International Uyghur Scholars Association decided to accelerate efforts to protect East Turkistan’s traditional Islamic heritage, digitize manuscripts, and introduce them to the world.

Scholars emphasized the importance of protecting pure Islamic creed against China’s attempts to distort the meaning of the Holy Quran and adapt Sharia rulings to socialism. In this regard, the unity of scholars in the diaspora serves as the spiritual pillar of the nation.

Conclusion: Hope and Firm Determination

This scientific symposium by the International Uyghur Scholars Association is proof that the people of East Turkistan will not lose their identity, knowledge, or faith even under oppression. The gathering of intellectuals plays a crucial role in consolidating the nation’s intellectual power and dismantling China’s false propaganda.

In conclusion, the cause of East Turkistan belongs not only to the Uyghurs but to all of humanity that loves justice, and specifically to the Islamic Ummah. This scientific front of scholars will lay a solid foundation for the future liberation of East Turkistan and the renaissance of the nation. As an Ummah, we must support these scholars and make their voices heard by the world. Oppression will not last forever; truth and knowledge will surely prevail.