Ekber Eset’s Message to Uyghur Netizens About the Bagdax Website

A 2013 message by Ekber Eset on the relaunch of the Bagdax forum, reflecting on shared memories and the early spirit of Uyghur online community building.

Editor’s Note: This article was translated into English to honor the memory of Ekber and his activities. Having known him personally and having collaborated with him in both business and public events, I firmly believe there has been far too little discussion and documentation of his ideas and work—much like the case with many others. This translation is intended to be part of the conversation that still needs to happen.

Ekber Eset: Hello, we missed you, netizens (Baghdash).

Greetings, everyone. I am Ekber Jan, the person in charge of the Bagdax website.

On such a blessed day as today, we are truly delighted to be reunited with you once again. May every day be filled with goodness! Today, on September 6, the Bagdax website has been reopened to all netizens with a brand-new design.

Friends from Hotan, Kashgar, Artush, Aksu, Kumul, and Turpan—just as much as you missed Bagdax, we missed you too! It is because of you that Bagdax found a place in people’s hearts; because of you that change took place in Kashgar’s education; because your voices were heard that the meal problems of Uyghur students in Lanzhou were resolved; and because of you that millions of RMB meant for the construction of Safe Homes in Ghulja, which had gone missing, were returned to the hands of farmers there.

Bagdax has become a warm home for all of us. Our experienced and admirable elders have long written tirelessly on Bagdax without seeking anything in return, while young people eager for knowledge and new ideas have gained valuable information and learning from it.

What have we done online?

For Umidjan, who was suffering from leukemia, and for other brothers and sisters enduring pain on hospital beds, we repeatedly raised donations, delivering—even if only a little—the warmth of society to them. Many acts of kindness and moments of joy took place on Bagdax.

Both we and our netizens have left behind three years of sweet and bitter memories on Bagdax. At times, we debated various works by famous commentators while wandering along the Bozkir and Hexi Corridors; at other times, with Uyghurzadeh (the pen name of Uyghur scholar Zulpikar Barat Ozbash, who was later arrested), we shared our longing for the Kashgar neighborhood of New York in the cool sea breeze of Hawaii.

With Atilla and Aqchuq Sey, we sometimes returned in our thoughts to the era of the Karakhanid Kingdom, immersing ourselves in long reflections. Together with Bilmikhumar (the pen name of Uyghur scholar Erkin Sidik, based in the United States), we traveled the world aboard NASA spacecraft. Under the rain, we laughed to our hearts’ content while listening to Tokhtor’s abrupt yet logical talks (another popular Uyghur writer who later disappeared).

Unable to agree with Dolan on the question of independent thinking, we ended up fiercely criticizing China’s education system. Remembering the proud spirits of Qeyser Mijit (a Uyghur economist from Boston) and Shungqar, our hearts were warmed. We listened endlessly to little Rana’s quirky conversations (another popular Uyghur writer who later disappeared), sometimes wandering the streets around Kashgar’s Id Kah Mosque, sometimes along Urumqi’s Dongkowruk Bridge.

There are simply too many memories—speaking of them all would take many evenings. I believe it is not necessary to say everything aloud; it is enough to keep them in our hearts, deep within our souls.

The rapid development of information technology and online media has left us shaken and somewhat lost. What should we do?

We cannot change yesterday, but we can change tomorrow. Therefore, everyone, come to Bagdax! This place truly suits you. Here, we can freely exchange views on all kinds of issues. Please do come—and don’t come alone.

We are doing our very best, and we are confident we can do even better. At a time when many people look to the future with doubt, we chose confidence. We will continuously improve our platform. This is only the beginning.

We are preparing a platform where netizens can sit at home and purchase daily necessities through Bagdax. Before long, you will be able to buy the items and clothing you like on the Bagdax website easily and without difficulty. If that truly becomes a reality, don’t forget to thank us. And if you share such ideas, come here—let us join hands and do even better together.

So, dear netizens, without taking up more of your time, let us explore meaningful topics together. Remember: protect Bagdax. Each of your comments can become either a flower or a thorn for Bagdax. We hope netizens will line Bagdax with bouquets of flowers.

Stay well, dear friends. Let us stay in touch often, and please send our greetings to all netizens.

Respectfully,
Ekber Eset
Person in Charge, Bagdax Network

Translated by Tahir Imin 

Source of the original text Bagdax and Uyghur-archive website. It was also published in Uyghur academy website.