Istanbul Event Honors Uyghur Poet Abdurehim Otkur and East Turkistan

Uyghur Poet Abdurehim Otkur and East Turkistan Spotlighted in Istanbul Event

By Amine Sedef, Oct 27, 2022

The East Turkistan Foundation in Istanbul regularly hosts “Conversation Days” focused on pioneers of modern Uyghur literature. This time, the topic was the poet and author Mr. Abdurahim Otkur.

On October 22, the East Turkistan Foundation’s conference hall in Istanbul’s Vezneciler neighborhood welcomed professors, doctors, academic scholars, students, and other literary enthusiasts.

Turkish Professor Dr. Huliya Kasap Oğlu Çenghel spoke vividly and impressively about the life, works, and worldview of Mr. Abdurahim Otkur. The professor emphasized patriotism and nationalism in Otkur’s poetry, which resonated strongly with the audience. At the end of the session, some teachers and young attendees shared their views and impressions of the discussion.

Abdurehim Tileshüp Ötkür (Uyghur: ئابدۇرېھىم ئۆتكۈر; May 1923 – October 1995) was a renowned Uyghur author and poet. He first published his poems in 1940. Among his most popular early works were the poems “Tarim Boyliri” (Along the Tarim) and “Yürek Mungliri” (Melodies of the Heart), both of which gained wide acclaim among Uyghur readers.

Ötkür’s later literary career was marked by the publication of his influential novels “Iz” (The Track) and “Oyghanghan Zimin” (The Awakened Land). These works became some of the most widely read novels among Uyghurs due to their profound social and historical significance. His novel “Iz” was later condensed and adapted into a poem of the same title.

Selected Works

• Qeshqer Kéchisi, Ürümchi: Xinjiang People’s Press, 1980.
• Iz (novel), Ürümchi: Xinjiang People’s Press, 1985.
• Ömür Menzilliri, Ürümchi: Xinjiang Youth Press, 1985.
• Oyghanghan Zimin (novel trilogy).

Ms. Sama, secretary of the East Turkistan Foundation and a lecturer at Istanbul University, noted in an interview that programs like this are highly important for fostering national consciousness and patriotism, as well as raising awareness about East Turkistan.