Sakarya University’s blocking of planned East Turkistan Conference draws backlash

A conference on East Turkistan, organized by Sakarya University’s Student Society, where a Uyghur researcher was invited as a speaker, was canceled at the last minute by the rectorate.

The Söz ve Kalem Student Society of Sakarya University in Turkiye had planned to hold an “East Turkistan Conference” on December 25, 2024, inviting Uyghur researcher and author Abdullah Oguz as a speaker, with the aim of listening to the Uyghurs’ cry against the inhumane practices in East Turkistan and exposing China’s persecution.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the students, all preparations for this conference had been completed, and the conference announcement had reached a wide audience through social media.

CANCELED AT THE LAST MINUTE BY THE RECTORATE

This “East Turkistan Conference,” which attracted the interest of many students, was canceled at the last minute by the Sakarya University Rectorate, despite having received written approval previously.

— Uygur Haber (@UygurHaber) December 26, 2024

Abdullah Oguz shared his disappointment about the issue, saying, “Unfortunately, our conference was canceled at the last minute. If we cannot talk about East Turkistan, which is under genocide, in Turkey, where else can we talk about it? This shame is enough for all of you.”

THE INCIDENT SPARKED WIDESPREAD BACKLASH

“The cancellation of the East Turkistan Conference at Sakarya University caused significant backlash on social media. Subsequently, the rectorate issued a statement regarding studies related to the Turkic world at the university, but did not address the cancellation of that specific conference.

Following this, hundreds of Sakarya University students marched to the rectorate, protesting and holding a press conference.

— Uygur Haber (@UygurHaber) December 29, 2024

Enver Can, the president of the Ilham Tohti Initiative, praised the students’ sensitivity and courage in the face of injustice, saying, “We welcome and thank the Turkish people, especially the younger generation, for their awareness of the ongoing genocide in East Turkestan.”

The Sakarya University Rectorate’s obstruction has received reactions from many prominent figures. Member of Parliament Selçuk Özdağ submitted a parliamentary question to the Minister of National Education regarding the Rectorate’s inappropriate attitude toward the East Turkistan cause.