Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we would like to introduce you Uighurs, a people that has a centuries old history from the times when the famous Silk Road served as a primary artery of commercial, technological, cultural, and religious exchanges between peoples of Europe and Asia. The Silk Road assisted in establishing trust and understanding between the western and the eastern civilizations. Located right at the middle of the Silk Road, the Uighur homeland was the central and an important hub on the ancient route, and Uighurs played a key role in its functioning. The Uighurs developed a unique and sophisticated culture that incorporates elements from Central Asian, Iranian, Arabic, Chinese, Indian, and Greek cultures.

Because of many historical and political reasons, Uighurs remain unknown to the most of people in the West. But, the worst fact is that the Uighur culture is under a threat to disappear from the cultural palette of the world. The policy of the Chinese government towards Uighurs and the Uighur homeland is the main reason of that. Especially in the recent years, with the rise of the Chinese nationalism and an economic power of China, Uighurs are confronted with an unprecedented in their history attempt of the Chinese government to erase the Uighur people from the cultural and political map of the world.

Most of the Uighurs resent this unfair situation. Many people expressed their grievances to the Chinese government, one way or another, and many of them were sent in prisons and labor camps.  For many, the situation in the homeland became unbearable; they seek a refuge in foreign countries.

The Uighurs living abroad became aware of international covenants on human rights, and now they are doing everything possible to protect the Uighur culture. We, a small group of Uighurs living in Holland, arrived to this hospitable land for this reason exactly.  We greatly appreciate your interest in our people and culture, and we would like to use this opportunity to inform you about the situation of our people.

About forty Uighurs have found refuge in Holland so far. We sincerely thank the people and the government of Holland for providing us with spiritual and material support. We hope that this meeting will promote the idea that the Uighur culture is an integral part of the world culture, and we hope that you will continue to pay attention and to support our activities.

Thank you, and have a great time.

Gairatjan .Rozi
Uyghur Support Groep Nederland
Paulus van Hemertstraat 4-3.
1064 LK Amsterdam
Tel:0031-20-6134666
Mob:0031-643441287
Email: stukbugra@hotmail.com