By Uyghur Times Staff
August 31, 2024
The importance of recognizing and embracing Uyghur national identity was the central theme at the “3rd East Turkistan New Generation Youth Camp,” held from August 24th to 31st in the picturesque mountains of Bolu, Turkey. The event, a collaborative effort by the Sutuk Bughra Khan Science and Culture Foundation and the East Turkistan New Generation Movement, brought together 160 Uyghur youths from across Turkey.
The camp, divided into two sessions for different age groups, provided a unique opportunity for Uyghur boys and young men aged 12 to 24 to connect with their heritage while engaging in a variety of educational and physical activities. The first session, from August 24th to 27th, catered to middle school students, while the second session, from August 27th to 31st, focused on high school and university students. According to the Sutuk Bughra Khan Science and Culture Foundation, the event was exclusively focused on boys.
Alimjan Sabirli, Director of the Education Center at the Sutuk Bughra Khan Science and Culture Foundation, explained the event’s primary goal: to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Uyghur youths living in exile and to reinforce their sense of responsibility toward the East Turkistan cause. The camp was designed to foster connections among Uyghur students, enhance their understanding of national identity, and prepare them for future challenges.
Participants engaged in a diverse range of activities, including morning jogging in the forest, archery, wrestling, tug-of-war, and football competitions. Educational sessions were also a key component, with lectures on self-development and national identity led by Uyghur and Turkish academics, researchers, and social organization leaders.
Hidayet Oghuzkhan, President of the East Turkestan Education Movement and the International East Turkestan NGOs Union, emphasized the event’s importance on Twitter, stating, “We had a multi-faceted conversation and interview with our youth about our cause.”
Merdan Uyghur, a board member of the East Turkistan New Generation Movement and a camp guide, noted the enthusiasm of the participants. Many expressed a desire for the camp to be held more frequently, highlighting the positive impact of the event on their sense of identity and community.
Ehsan, a 15-year-old participant, shared his joy in experiencing the natural beauty of the mountainous region, while Abdullah, another participant, appreciated the opportunity to disconnect from the internet and immerse himself in outdoor activities. Their reflections underscore the camp’s role in helping Uyghur youth in exile reconnect with their cultural roots and build lasting memories.
Some quotes in this report were translated from the RFA Uyghur coverage of the event
