On July 11, 2025 at 4:00 PM, a book presentation for the novel Eternal Voice by Uyghur writer Talat Baki Mollahaji Oghli was held at the “Korgan” Café in Almaty.

The event was organized by the Kazakhstan branch of the International Uyghur PEN Center (Uyghur PEN), in collaboration with the Uyghur PEN Center and the “Ghulja Yoli” Meshrep community in Almaty.

The author dedicated the book to the memory of his friends, comrades, and relatives who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom and independence. The novel recounts the brutal political movements that took place in the Uyghur homeland during the 1950s and 1960s, under slogans such as “Thought Reform,” “Steel and Iron Smelting,” and the “Great Leap Forward of China.”

Through the life of its protagonist, Ablet, the work captures the suffering, pain, and grave socio-political upheavals endured by the Uyghur people, brought about by the countless persecutions, massacres, and atrocities committed by the communist colonial authorities.

The ceremony was moderated by young poet Abduljan Aznabaqiev. Alisher Helilov, Secretary-General of the International Uyghur PEN Center and Director of the “MIR” Publishing House, addressed the audience, outlining the book’s publishing process.

Vil’yam Molotov, board member of the Uyghur PEN Center and leader of the “Ghulja Yoli” Meshrep, spoke about the author’s biography and the publication of the novel in Kazakhstan. The book’s editor, Rexmetzhan Ghojemberdiev, emphasized the work’s contemporary relevance.

Prominent intellectuals, including Jemshit Rozaxunov, Awut Mesimov, Hakimjan Guliev, Aznat Talipov, Yoldash Molotov, and Rexmetjan Yüsüpov, took part in the event and expressed their deep appreciation for the work.

The head of the Uyghur PEN Center’s board, renowned artist Dr. Hakimjan Guliev, together with acclaimed writer Hemit Hemraev, warmly congratulated the author and presented him with a traditional Uyghur robe and doppa as a keepsake.

In his closing remarks, the author expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, and everyone involved in bringing the book to print. The ceremony concluded with guests gathering around a white tablecloth to continue their conversations in a warm and lively atmosphere.

Reported by Uyghur PEN. 

 

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