Turkey, known for advocating for Gaza, faces criticism for its silence on the Uyghur situation in China’s Xinjiang region. Despite Erdogan’s past remarks on Uyghur “genocide,” Turkey’s leaders and media largely ignore the Uyghur issue, unlike the vocal support for Palestinians. The report highlights Turkey’s strategic interests in Gaza, where it asserts regional influence through ties with Hamas, contrasting with its muted stance on the Uyghurs.
While Turkey has built a strong relationship with China since 2010, Erdogan has refrained from addressing the Uyghur crisis publicly. This silence is seen as a contradiction to Turkey’s self-proclaimed role as a leader in the Turkic world. The report underscores the long-standing oppression faced by the Uyghur population in Xinjiang, with millions enduring severe restrictions on their rights and identity under Chinese rule.
Turkey’s positioning as a defender of the oppressed in Gaza has bolstered its geopolitical standing and domestic Muslim leadership narrative. However, this advocacy does not extend to the Uyghurs, raising questions about Turkey’s commitment to human rights and its alignment with Chinese interests. The report warns that Turkey’s selective silence on the Uyghur issue may undermine its credibility as a leader in the Turkic and Muslim communities if economic considerations continue to overshadow moral principles.
