Author: Adile
9 September 2024
This blog post aims to present a brief introduction to the Ittipaq journal, a monthly Uyghur language journal published in Kyrgyzstan. The main information about the journal was gathered during a two-week field trip to Kyrgyzstan in May 2024. Besides researching the journal itself, one of the main goals of the trip was to digitize and preserve the journal archive and include it in the Remote Ethnography of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (Remote XUAR) database.
This text combines an analysis of the journal’s archive with insights from interviews with its editors. While this blog post serves as an introduction, it also aims to provide a foundation for further in-depth research on Ittipaq. The primary intention is to share information about this source material for the remote study of the XUAR and its diaspora.
The Birth of Ittipaq Organization and its Journal
Since the early 1990s, numerous organizations and associations have emerged within the Uyghur diaspora, each contributing to the broader Uyghur cause. Among them, Ittipaq stands out as a significant player, navigating the complex political landscape of Kyrgyzstan while promoting Uyghur culture and rights.
The late 1980s and early 1990s were transformative years for the Soviet Union and its successor republics. The Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (restructuring) reforms set the stage for unprecedented political and social change. For the Uyghurs in Kyrgyzstan, many of whom arrived during the Sino-Soviet split around 1962, these reforms opened doors to greater cultural expression and political activism. In this context, the Ittipaq (meaning ‘’unity’’ in Uyghur) organization was founded by Uyghur activists in Frunze (later to be renamed Bishkek) in 1989.
Ittipaq aimed to unify the Uyghur community and advocate for their cultural and political rights. By 1994, the Kyrgyz Republic had established an assembly to represent its ethnic minorities, providing each with an office. This move allowed Uyghurs to have a formal platform for their voices within the political framework of Kyrgyzstan. İttipaq was given a seat within the assembly, marking a pivotal moment for Uyghur organizational initiatives in the region.
(photo: Adile)
In 1994, Ittipaq launched its journal of the same name, becoming the sole Uyghur-language publication in Kyrgyzstan. The journal provided a crucial platform for expressing Uyghur identity, culture, and political views. For many Uyghurs from the older generation, it was also an important source of news in their own language.
Ministry of Culture, Information, Sport, and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Ittipaq Office located within the ministry (photo: Adile).
Republic (photo: Adile).
The Ittipaq Journal
According to Musepperjan XYZ, a founding member of the Ittipaq and long-time head editor, the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the reinstatement of borders between Central Asian republics created a void in the Uyghur-language press within Kyrgyzstan. Uyghur language publications from Kazakhstan no longer easily reached the readers in Kyrgyzstan. To meet the community’s needs, the Ittipaq journal was established. In general terms, the Ittipaq journal aimed to disseminate information and cultural content, evolving over time to address the changing needs of the Uyghur diaspora in response to socio-political shifts.
Since its inception in 1994, the journal has been published monthly or bimonthly, covering a wide range of topics such as cultural articles, political commentary, community news, educational content, and social issues, serving as a vital resource for the Uyghur community. The first issue was handwritten and photocopied fully in Arabic scripted Uyghur; soon a typesetting occurred that allowed printing the journal in both Arabic and Slavic script Uyghur. Later, Russian-language articles were also added.
The first issue of the journal, handwritten (photo: Ittipaq journal archive).
The journal covers the following topics:
Cultural Articles: Features on Uyghur history, traditions, and cultural practices.
Political Commentary: Analysis and opinion pieces on political developments affecting the Uyghur community.
Community News: Updates on events, activities, and initiatives organized by Ittipaq and others.
Educational Content: Articles on language, literature, and educational opportunities for Uyghur youth.
Social Issues: Discussions on social challenges facing the Uyghur diaspora, including economic, health, and welfare issues.
Soon after its publication, The Ittipaq journal quickly became a vital resource for the Uyghur community, influencing the Uyghur diaspora's cultural and political landscape, particularly in Kyrgyzstan and neighboring Kazakhstan. It helped foster a sense of identity and continuity while providing a platform for advocacy and expression.
Sample of the magazine's content (photo: Ittipaq journal archive).
Sample of the magazine's content (photo: Ittipaq journal archive).
Behind the Scenes
Over the past 30 years, the Ittipaq journal has faced numerous challenges. The shifting political landscape in Kyrgyzstan, influenced by the country's relationship with China, has often complicated the activities of the Ittipaq organization and its journal. Beijing's growing pressure on Central Asian governments to suppress Uyghur activism has led to increased scrutiny and restrictions.
Initially, the Kyrgyz government supported the Ittipaq organization, providing a conducive environment for its activities and the journal's publication. But, by the mid-1990s, China began applying significant pressure on the host governments of the Uyghur diaspora, including Kyrgyzstan. This pressure proved more effective in Central Asia compared to Turkey and Western countries. In 1996, the Ittipaq journal was temporarily banned for allegedly damaging China-Kyrgyz relations. Following this, the organization split the journal from the main organization and changed its name to reduce the pressure. However, this move led to internal disagreements, and eventually, the journal returned under the Ittipaq umbrella. This incident underscored the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the vulnerabilities faced by Uyghur organizations operating in Central Asia.
Till today, the journal has navigated through financial constraints, political pressure, and societal marginalization, demonstrating remarkable resilience. To survive, Ittipaq has diversified funding, adjusted journal content, and embraced digital platforms, ensuring its continued relevance and impact. The journal remains a vital platform for cultural preservation and community cohesion. Its continued existence highlighted the importance of maintaining spaces for community voices while documenting the history and experiences of the Uyghur diaspora.
Announcement of the journal renamed as Wijdan Awazi (photo: Ittipaq journal archive).
Current state of the journal
Today the journal is being published monthly by a small team of editors and journalists in Bishkek, led by co-founder of the journal Akhbarjan Baudunov and current editor-in-chief Zümret Ruzieva. As the only Uyghur-language publication in Kyrgyzstan, the Ittipaq journal today provides unique insights into the community's cultural practices, political concerns, and social dynamics. Since 2020, the journal has been available in both print and digital formats. Under the Remote XUAR project, the entire series of past issues is being archived digitally. By offering original commentary and diverse perspectives, we believe, the journal serves as a valuable source for remote research and diaspora studies.
(photo: Ittipaq journal archive)
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