Over 30 NGOs in Istanbul jointly organized a protest against China’s genocidal policies in East Turkistan. During the demonstration, participants called on the Turkish and Islamic world to stand with the Uyghurs.
A large-scale demonstration took place on October 26, 2025, at Saraçhane Park in Istanbul to protest China’s ongoing systematic genocide policies targeting the people of East Turkistan (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China). The event was organized under the leadership of the Platform of Uyghur Organizations in Turkey and its affiliated Federation of East Turkistan Associations, in cooperation with more than 30 non-governmental organizations, including the Platform for Unity of Thought and Struggle and the Yesevi Alperenler Hearth.
During the protest, speeches addressed the human rights violations, persecution, and torture faced by Uyghurs in East Turkistan. Representing the Platform of Uyghur Organizations in Turkey and the Federation of East Turkistan Associations, Mahmut Damolla delivered a speech detailing the genocide, religious repression, and mass detentions inflicted upon the Uyghur people.
Mahmut called on the Turkish people and all Muslims to stand with the Uyghurs, emphasizing that they have been bound together throughout history by bonds of brotherhood and solidarity.
Renowned Turkish religious scholar İhsan Şenocak also attended the protest, delivering a powerful speech condemning China and urging the Turkish and Islamic world to unite against the Uyghur genocide. Noting that “many Muslims are heartbroken and outspoken when witnessing the oppression in Gaza, yet they turn a blind eye to their Muslim brothers and sisters in East Turkistan,” Şenocak reminded that “the people of East Turkistan are both our religious and blood brothers” and warned that “if we fail to stand by them and remain silent in the face of oppression, we will never be able to answer before Allah on the Day of Judgment.”
Şenocak concluded his remarks with a strong appeal by asking, “Where are those Muslim writers, journalists, politicians, and activists who passionately defend human rights when it comes to Palestine and Gaza? Where are you today?” — calling upon all people of conscience and humanity to stand with the people of East Turkistan.
The event concluded with a march, as participants chanted slogans expressing solidarity with the Uyghur people and condemnation of China’s oppressive policies. Hundreds gathered throughout the day, waving East Turkistan flags and carrying banners to raise awareness and express solidarity with the Uyghurs.
This protest demonstrated how civil society organizations in Turkey can unite individuals from different walks of life to collectively oppose China’s genocide and human rights violations in East Turkistan. Beyond its nature as a protest, the event carried deep significance as an expression of moral support for the people of East Turkistan, a means of informing the public, and an effort to foster international awareness.
Be First to Comment