By Uyghur Times StaffDec. 29, 2024
Riza Samed, a steadfast Uyghur nationalist who dedicated his life to the struggle for Uyghur independence and freedom, passed away in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 86 due to illness. Throughout his life, Samed played a pivotal role in uniting and empowering Uyghurs during times of displacement and hardship, becoming a beacon of hope for his people.
Riza Samed was a leading figure in the Uyghur awakening and independence movements of the late 20th century, both in Kazakhstan and across the globe.
Born on March 3, 1938, in Ghulja, Samed was the son of Ziya Samed, a prominent writer and leader of the East Turkestan Republic, established in 1944. In 1961, Riza Samed emigrated to Kazakhstan alongside his father, continuing his father’s legacy of advocacy and cultural preservation among the Uyghur diaspora.
Samed’s tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to his people will forever remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.
