In the bustling outskirts of Istanbul, a unique literary haven stands as a testament to cultural resilience. Abdulla Turkistanli, a 50-year-old Uyghur expatriate, operates one of the world's last remaining bookshops dedicated to Uyghur literature. Named Kutadgu Bilik, after an 11th-century epic poem, this store serves as more than just a business—it's a lifeline for a culture under threat.
The Uyghurs, a Turkic ethnic group numbering approximately 12 million, have faced severe persecution in their homeland of Xinjiang, China. Over the past decade, the Chinese government has intensified its crackdown on Uyghur culture, language, and religious practices. This oppression has led to a diaspora, with many Uyghurs seeking refuge in Turkey, a country with historical and linguistic ties to their community.
Turkistanli's journey to becoming a guardian of Uyghur literature was not straightforward. Upon arriving in Turkey in 2009, he initially opened a furniture shop. However, as fellow Uyghurs entrusted him with their precious books, unable to carry them but unwilling to abandon them, his collection grew. By 2014, as China's persecution of Uyghurs intensified, Turkistanli made the crucial decision to transform his accumulation of books into a dedicated Uyghur bookstore and library.
The shelves of Kutadgu Bilik are lined with a diverse array of Uyghur literature, from poetry collections to children's stories. Many works reference the ongoing oppression faced by Uyghurs, serving as both historical records and emotional outlets for a community in exile. The bookshop has become a cultural hub, offering a space for Uyghurs to connect with their heritage and for others to learn about this rich yet endangered culture.
Despite being thousands of miles from China, Turkistanli faces constant challenges in keeping his bookshop open. He has received pressure from Chinese authorities to close the store, with offers to fund alternative businesses. More alarmingly, Turkish police have twice confiscated books from the shop since 2022, citing copyright concerns. Turkistanli argues that his work is crucial for preserving Uyghur culture and is not profit-driven.
"These books are the treasures that keep the Uyghur ethnicity alive. It's important for all of us, not just Uyghurs – but also the world – to retain this heritage."
Turkistanli's dedication to preserving Uyghur literature stems from his own harrowing experiences in China. In 1995, he was imprisoned for a decade, allegedly for studying the Quran privately. In 2008, fearing further persecution, he embarked on a perilous 23-day journey across mountainous terrain to escape China, eventually making his way to Turkey.
The importance of Turkistanli's work cannot be overstated. Uyghur language and literature have a rich history dating back to the 8th century, influenced by the region's position along the ancient Silk Road. Today, UNESCO classifies the Uyghur language as vulnerable. As China continues to restrict Uyghur cultural practices within its borders, diaspora communities play a crucial role in preserving their heritage.
Kutadgu Bilik stands as more than just a bookshop; it is a beacon of resistance against cultural erasure. As Turkistanli continues his fight to keep this literary sanctuary open, he not only preserves books but also nurtures the hope for a future where Uyghur culture can thrive once again.