Uyghur PEN Board Members
Post Tagged with: "Almaty"
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Almaty Hosts Presentation of the Novel “Eternal Voice”
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 […]
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Uyghur PEN Center’s Election Held in Almaty
The Uyghur PEN Center held its official election on April 16, 2025, at the Mir Publishing House office in Almaty, Kazakhstan. In addition to local members attending in person, participants from around the world joined the event online. A total of 24 members took part in the meeting. The session was chaired by Alisher Khalilov, head of the Executive Committee of the Uyghur PEN Center. Former president and artist Kaiser Ozhun opened the event with a report detailing the founding history of the Uyghur PEN Center and highlighting the accomplishments achieved during his tenure. Following this, Hamid Hamrayev, Secretary General of the Center and a respected writer, presented an overview of the work carried out during his term, as well as the Centre’s future plans and strategic vision. Distinguished Uyghur poet Abdughopur Qutluqov then proposed re-electing Kaiser Ozhun as president. However, Ozhun respectfully declined, citing the organization’s bylaws, which prohibit a third presidential term. The Board of the Uyghur PEN nominated Aziz Isa Elkun for the presidency. Elkun is a poet, writer, and academic based in the UK, and a former Secretary General of the Uyghur PEN Center. Elkun, who had travelled to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and was present at the Almaty meeting, accepted his nomination. In his address, he expressed gratitude for the Board’s trust and pledged to work tirelessly to promote Uyghur literature worldwide and defend freedom of expression for Uyghur writers and artists. After deliberation, the official election was conducted. Aziz Isa Elkun was unanimously elected as president of the Uyghur PEN Center. Subsequent elections for key leadership roles were also held. Alisher Khalilov was unanimously elected Secretary General, while Dr. Hakimjan Guliyev, a Doctor of Arts and acclaimed artist, was chosen as Chairman of the Executive Committee. The new Executive Committee members of the Board include […]