The East Turkistan Foundation: Protecting Uyghur Cultural and Educational Rights on the International Stage

The East Turkistan Foundation (Doğu Türkistan Vakfı) has been one of the most influential organizations consistently fighting to protect the cultural, educational, and religious identity of the Uyghur people for many years. Especially in the face of the severe human rights violations and cultural genocide currently occurring in East Turkistan, this foundation plays a crucial role in making the Uyghur voice heard on international platforms and drawing the attention of the Islamic world. [dtv.org.tr](https://dtv.org.tr)

Historical Background and Mission

The East Turkistan Foundation was established in 1978 in Istanbul, Turkey, by prominent Uyghur leaders, including the late Isa Yusuf Alptekin. The primary mission of the foundation is to introduce the East Turkistan cause to the world, preserve the cultural identity of Uyghurs in the diaspora, and empower the younger generation through education. Since its inception, the foundation has worked to strengthen relations with Turkey and other Islamic nations, striving to bring the Uyghur issue to the agenda not just as a political matter, but as a shared concern for the entire Islamic Ummah. [dtv.org.tr](https://dtv.org.tr)

Cultural and Educational Rights Protection Activities

In response to the Chinese government's "Sinicization of Islam" policy in East Turkistan, the East Turkistan Foundation has implemented several important projects for cultural preservation. The foundation publishes books, organizes academic seminars, and conducts youth guidance activities to preserve the Uyghur language, history, and religious values. [dukva.org](https://dukva.org)

In recent years, the foundation, along with other East Turkistan organizations, has supported educational centers to ensure that Uyghur youth in the diaspora do not forget their mother tongue. In coordination with sister organizations such as the "East Turkistan Education and Solidarity Association," it has contributed to the preparation of curricula based on religious and national education. [doguturkistander.org](https://doguturkistander.org)

Diplomacy and Reports on International Platforms

The East Turkistan Foundation and its affiliated research institutions are active in international human rights forums. A recent example is the report titled "East Turkistan Human Rights Violations Index 2025," released in Istanbul on February 16, 2026. This report details China's religious oppression, forced labor, digital surveillance, and violations of children's rights in the region across 14 specific themes. [qha.com.tr](https://qha.com.tr), [uyghurtimes.com](https://uyghurtimes.com)

Such reports are submitted to bodies like the United Nations (UN) and the European Parliament, serving as vital tools to provide factual rebuttals to China's propaganda. The foundation also collaborates with international media outlets to amplify the voices of camp survivors to the world. [turkistanpress.com](https://turkistanpress.com)

Responsibility of the Islamic Ummah and the Foundation's Role

Islamic values hold a central place in the activities of the East Turkistan Foundation. The foundation views the situation in East Turkistan not merely as a national issue, but as an assault on the religious freedom of Muslims. Consequently, the foundation consistently calls upon organizations like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to stand against China's oppression and support the oppressed Uyghur Muslims. [ihh.org.tr](https://ihh.org.tr)

In recent years, the silence or support of the OIC and some Muslim countries regarding China's policies has been strongly criticized by the East Turkistan Foundation. Foundation leaders emphasize that "the silence of Muslims further emboldens China's oppression," highlighting the necessity of unity and cooperation within the Ummah. [east-turkistan.net](https://east-turkistan.net)

Recent Key Activities (2024-2026)

In October 2024, the "16th World East Turkistan Brotherhood Meeting" and the "7th East Turkistan National Unity Council" were successfully held in Istanbul, organized by the foundation and its partners. More than 200 representatives from 31 countries participated in this meeting to determine the future strategy of the Uyghur cause. [udtsb.com](https://udtsb.com)

Throughout 2025 and early 2026, the foundation further strengthened its ties with various political parties and civil society organizations in Turkey. Through Iftar events during Ramadan and lectures titled "The Bleeding Wound of the Ummah: East Turkistan," it has raised awareness within Turkish society and among Muslims. [dtv.org.tr](https://dtv.org.tr)

Conclusion

The East Turkistan Foundation serves as a fortress in protecting the cultural and educational rights of Uyghurs. Against China's systematic policies of erasure, the academic, cultural, and diplomatic activities carried out by the foundation are vital for the survival of the Uyghur people. It is a requirement of justice and Islamic brotherhood for the Islamic world to stand by these oppressed people and support organizations like the East Turkistan Foundation.