By Uyghur Times Staff
May 5, 2025 — Washington, DC
On May 5, 2025, Uyghur communities around the globe celebrated Uyghur Doppa Cultural Festival with deep pride and unity. This annual celebration highlights the cultural richness and enduring spirit of the Uyghur people through the wearing of the traditional doppa — a four-cornered hat that has become a powerful symbol of identity and resistance.
A Global Cultural Celebration
From North America to Europe to South Asia, Uyghur diaspora organizations marked the day with events, videos, and public messages across social media. The World Uyghur Congress posted on Instagram:
“The doppa is more than just a traditional hat — for us Uyghurs, it has become a powerful symbol of identity, resistance, and cultural pride.”
The Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) released a statement encouraging Uyghurs to wear their doppa with pride:
“Every act of cultural preservation is an act of defiance and hope. May this Doppa Day be a reminder of the beauty of Uyghur culture, and a call to the world to stand with us in solidarity.”
Voices Across Platforms
Many prominent Uyghur advocacy groups joined the digital celebration:
- Campaign for Uyghurs wrote on X:
“The Uyghur doppa remains a symbol of resilience for a community that is facing an ongoing genocide.” - Ilham Tohti Initiative posted:
“Proud to be an Uyghur: Happy Doppa Day!” 🔗 - Indian Uyghur Society shared a festive video message from its leader. 🔗
- Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project said:
“The Doppa’s continue to represent the fight against oppression and unite Uyghurs together.” 🔗 - Dr. Dilnur Reyhan, President of the Uyghur Institute, posted her doppa-clad portrait, offering greetings in multiple languages:
“Doppa bayrimimiz’gha mubarek!”
“Joyeuse fête de Doppa pour toustes les Ouïghour.e.s!”https://x.com/DilnurReyhan/status/1919354002162008371 - Center for Uyghur Studies echoed this sentiment:
“At a time when Uyghur culture is under attack, wearing the Doppa is a sign of remembrance and struggle.” 🔗 - Uyghur Collective also shared cultural messages and photos online, highlighting the diversity and resilience of the Uyghur identity.https://x.com/uyghurkollektip/status/1920116303794246138
Tradition as Resistance
The doppa is not merely decorative; it represents heritage, community, and silent defiance. As one Instagram post noted, “Just like Tibetans gift khata to show respect, we Uyghurs often present a doppa to those we admire — as a symbol of honor, friendship, and deep cultural meaning.”
Uyghurs wear the doppa at weddings, funerals, festivals, and everyday life — affirming that their culture cannot be erased.
Impact and Significance
This year’s celebration comes amid continued efforts by the Chinese government to suppress Uyghur language, religion, and customs in the Uyghur homeland. In response, the diaspora’s active celebration of Doppa Day serves as both cultural preservation and political resistance.
By using the hashtag #UyghurDoppa, participants around the world shared photos, videos, and personal stories to keep their traditions alive and bring global attention to the Uyghur struggle.