The Uyghurs: A History of Repression

The Uyghurs are a Turkic people who have been living in Xinjiang, China for centuries. They are the largest ethnic minority in Xinjiang, making up about 10% of the population. The Uyghurs are predominantly Muslim, and they have a distinct culture and language.

Early History

The Uyghurs are descended from a group of nomadic people who migrated to Xinjiang from the Eurasian Steppe in the 8th century AD. They established a powerful kingdom, the Uyghur Khaganate, which ruled over much of Central Asia. The Uyghur Khaganate was eventually destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century, but the Uyghurs remained in Xinjiang.

Qing Dynasty

In the 18th century, the Uyghurs were conquered by the Qing Dynasty, which ruled over China from 1644 to 1912. The Qing Dynasty imposed strict controls on the Uyghurs, and they were subjected to discrimination and persecution.

Republic of China

In 1912, the Qing Dynasty was overthrown, and the Republic of China was established. The Uyghurs hoped that the new republic would grant them greater autonomy, but they were disappointed. The Republic of China continued to pursue a policy of assimilation, and the Uyghurs were still subjected to discrimination.

People's Republic of China

In 1949, the Communist Party of China (CPC) came to power, and established the People's Republic of China (PRC). The PRC promised to respect the rights of ethnic minorities, but the Uyghurs were still subjected to discrimination and repression.

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

In 1955, the PRC established the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), which was supposed to be an autonomous region for the Uyghurs. However, the XUAR was actually controlled by the Han Chinese, and the Uyghurs continued to be marginalized.

Cultural Revolution

The Uyghurs were especially persecuted during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), when their culture and religion were suppressed. Many Uyghurs were imprisoned or killed during this period.

Recent Repression

In recent years, the PRC has intensified its repression of the Uyghurs. The government has imposed strict controls on their freedom of religion, movement, and expression. Hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs have been detained in concentration camps, where they are subjected to torture and other forms of abuse.

Current Conditions

The current condition of the Uyghur community is dire. Millions of Uyghurs are living in fear of persecution, and their culture and way of life are under threat of extinction. The international community has condemned the PRC's treatment of the Uyghurs, but the government has refused to change its policies.

Unlikely Buddha 2023