Uyghur Book: The Words of Ilham Tohti – “We Uyghurs Have No Say”

The words of Ilham Tohti, the China’s most famous political prisoner

We Uyghurs Have No Say: An Imprisoned Writer Speaks gives a rare glimpse into the thoughts of Ilham Tohti, a leading Uyghur intellectual now serving life in prison. Through essays and reflections, Tohti speaks on the struggles of the Uyghur people, the history of Uyghur homeland, and the importance of justice and peaceful advocacy. These writings carry both personal and global weight, making his voice heard far beyond the walls of his cell.

Let’s take a closer look at how critics and readers have responded to this important book, and the impact of Tohti’s words around the world.

Review & Impact Note — We Uyghurs Have No Say: An Imprisoned Writer Speaks

We Uyghurs Have No Say is a powerful collection of essays, statements, interviews, and reflections by Ilham Tohti, one of the most prominent Uyghur intellectuals and critics of the Chinese government’s policy in Xinjiang. The book brings together Tohti’s own writings—many preserved by dissidents after the shutdown of his website Uyghur Online—to form a first‑hand account of the social, economic, and political issues facing Uyghurs in northwest China. (The Guardian)

Reviewers and scholars describe the book as a rare firsthand source on the realities of ethnic relations in China, offering nuanced analyses of discrimination, marginalization, and policies that have eroded Uyghur rights. The essays emphasize peaceful advocacy for equality and autonomy, grounded in China’s own constitutional and legal frameworks, rather than separatism or violence. (Foreign Affairs)

Critics have praised the book for its clarity, moral courage, and balance, noting that Tohti’s insistence on nonviolence and constructive reform stands in stark contrast to the harshness of his treatment by the Chinese state. Some reviewers have called it essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the root causes of tension in Xinjiang and the broader implications of state ethnic policies. (Verso)

Readers on platforms like Goodreads have noted the book’s deep political and emotional impact, with many expressing that Tohti’s voice remains urgently relevant in discussions of human rights and government repression—even as translation and editorial quality have received mixed comments. (Goodreads)

In terms of impact, We Uyghurs Have No Say has contributed significantly to global awareness of Uyghur issues. It has been cited by academics, human rights advocates, and policymakers as a crucial source for understanding how racial discrimination and economic inequality have shaped the lived experiences of Uyghurs. The book also reinforces Tohti’s international reputation as a symbol of intellectual defiance—earning him comparisons to figures like Nelson Mandela for his steadfast commitment to justice despite life imprisonment. (Barnes & Noble)

Ultimately, the book’s significance lies not only in its content but in what it represents: the voice of a scholar imprisoned for his ideas, challenging readers and institutions worldwide to grapple with urgent questions of human dignity, legality, and the role of conscience in confronting state power. (Foreign Affairs)