Qaynam Jappar, a prominent Uyghur calligrapher, photographer, and cover designer of many valuable books among the Uyghurs, passed away on December 6 in Urumqi.
Qaynam Jappar had previously worked as a photographer and reporter for the Xinjiang Rule of Law Daily. He organized numerous exhibitions and events in the fields of Uyghur calligraphy and homeland landscapes.
After the Urumqi massacre of July 5, 2009, Mr. Qaynam was beaten and injured by Chinese thugs in Urumqi on September 3. This incident was reported to Radio Free Asia through the website “Uyghur Biz” and revealed.
Ablikim Amet, a Uyghur calligrapher and photographer living in the United States, said:
Qaynam Jappar is one of the main representatives of contemporary Uighur calligraphy. During his career as a calligrapher, he made great contributions to the art of Uyghur calligraphy by creating various beautiful calligraphy works that moved people’s hearts in a unique style. His calligraphy works in Thai, Ruqi, Sulus, and Jelli Sulus versions were very unique, especially the letters in the Jelli Sulus script that he wrote that were reminiscent of Ba’i Qayynam. Qaynam Jappar, a unique calligrapher and the proud son of the Uyghur people, wrote the names of books, magazines, newspapers, companies, and institutions. He had made a deep impression and gained respect among the people by writing charming letters. At the time when Uyghur entrepreneurship was developing, the brand names of companies such as Arman and Beg were written by him on the streets of our country, increasing the sense of pride in the Uyghur national spirit. I am deeply saddened by his passing! May Allah grant him paradise, ameen!.”
