The European East Turkistan Education Association: Preserving Uyghur Identity and Advancing Youth Education

Introduction: A Spiritual Fortress for the Ummah in Europe

In the face of the systematic assimilation and identity genocide currently confronting the Muslims of East Turkistan, the role of educational and cultural institutions in the diaspora has become more critical than ever. Among these organizations, the "European East Turkistan Education Association" (EETEA), established in 1993 in Utrecht, Netherlands, has emerged as a spiritual fortress for the Uyghur Ummah in Europe through its long-standing history and vibrant recent activities. Under the leadership of the association's president, Obulqasim Abdulaziz, the organization does not limit itself to education alone; it plays an active role in awakening national pride among Uyghur youth, instilling Islamic values, and raising awareness of the East Turkistan cause on the international political stage.

National Identity and Mother Tongue Education: The Significance of "Ana Til" Schools

One of the most vital contributions of the European East Turkistan Education Association is the systematic implementation of "Ana Til" (Mother Tongue) schools. At a time when the Chinese Communist regime has completely removed the Uyghur language from the education system in the homeland and is attempting to Sinicize millions of children in camp-style schools, these institutions in Europe have become a guarantee for national survival.

According to plans for 2025, the association aims to further enhance the quality of teachings in the Holy Quran, Uyghur language and literature, and East Turkistan history for Uyghur children living in the Netherlands and surrounding countries. In this process, they are collaborating with organizations such as "Uyghur Hjelp" (Uyghur Help) to distribute new textbooks and organize teacher training courses. From an Islamic perspective, preserving one's language and culture is considered part of the struggle (Jihad) to protect the signs of Allah (the diversity of languages and colors).

Political Victory: Amsterdam City Council’s Recognition of "East Turkistan"

The year 2025 has been a historic one for the European East Turkistan Education Association and other Uyghur organizations. On July 9, 2025, the City Council of Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, passed a resolution rejecting the colonial Chinese name "Xinjiang" and officially recognizing the name "East Turkistan." It is well-known that Association President Obulqasim Abdulaziz and Suleyman Koyuncu, a member of the Dutch "Denk" party, played significant roles in bringing this resolution forward.

This political success not only demonstrates the growing political influence of the Uyghur diaspora in Europe but also represents a major step in defending the right of Muslims to refer to their land by its original name. Mr. Obulqasim Abdulaziz emphasized that this victory has provided great hope and confidence to Uyghur youth.

Political Training for Youth and Social Activities

The European East Turkistan Education Association does not limit its efforts to improve youth education to textbook knowledge alone; it also guides them to integrate into and play active roles within the European political system. During a large-scale Iftar event held in March 2025, Stephan van Baarle, the leader of the Dutch "Denk" party, announced a plan for the political training of Uyghur youth. Under this plan, young people receive monthly training in political science to prepare them to be the voice of East Turkistan on international platforms in the future.

Furthermore, in November 2025, the association organized an event at Amsterdam's Dam Square to commemorate East Turkistan Republic Day, deepening the youth's understanding of their national history. Such activities play a crucial role in ensuring that young people do not lose their identity within Western culture.

International Cooperation and Ummah Unity

As a key member of the "International Union of East Turkistan Organizations" (IUETO), the European East Turkistan Education Association maintains close cooperation with Uyghur organizations worldwide. During an expanded consultative meeting held in Istanbul in January 2025, association leaders participated in defining the strategic roadmap for 2025. The meeting resulted in decisions to strengthen education for women and children and to expand educational programming through media outlets like Istiklal TV.

Additionally, representatives of the association actively participated in the ceremony for the preparation and release of the "2025 East Turkistan Human Rights Report" in Istanbul on February 16, 2026, exposing China's war on Islam and its cultural genocide. These efforts aim to transform the East Turkistan issue from a purely national struggle into a shared cause for the entire Islamic Ummah.

Conclusion: Looking to the Future

In its more than 30-year history, the European East Turkistan Education Association has overcome numerous challenges to become the systematic and influential institution it is today. The association's investment in youth education and its political activism are increasing hope for the future of the East Turkistan people's struggle for freedom and identity.

By combining Islamic values with national education, this association continues to strive to raise a generation of Uyghur youth in Europe who are both equipped with modern knowledge and loyal to their religion and nation. For the people of East Turkistan, who are a part of the Ummah, supporting and strengthening such educational institutions is a duty for every Muslim.