Turkey Strengthens Ties with China, Raising Concerns for Uyghur Refugees

Turkey has emerged as a frequent destination for Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority from China's Xinjiang region, who have sought refuge from persecution in their homeland. However, recent developments indicate a significant shift in Turkey's approach, with increasing restrictions placed on Uyghur residents and refugees within its borders.

Previously, Uyghurs fleeing repression in China often found relative safety in Turkey, where they could secure residency and protection. Recent reports from human rights organizations, however, suggest a change in policy. Uyghur individuals are now frequently assigned 'restriction codes' and may be designated as public security risks. These designations have led to revoked residency permits and detentions in facilities with substandard living conditions.

Individuals affected by these measures report having their applications for residency systematically denied. Some are ordered to leave Turkey within a short timeframe following the rejections, while others have been held in detention centers. Conditions in these centers are reportedly harsh, with overcrowding and minimal resources, as described by those who have experienced them.

This policy shift coincides with a broader warming of diplomatic and economic relations between Turkey and China. Observers note that as the relationship between Ankara and Beijing becomes closer, the Turkish government has intensified its efforts to control migration and has adopted stricter measures against refugee populations, including the Uyghurs.

Human rights advocates warn that current practices in Turkey raise the risk of forced returns of Uyghurs to countries that have extradition agreements with China, where they may face arrest or mistreatment. These organizations call on other governments to reconsider returning Uyghur refugees to Turkey under the present circumstances, due to potential violations of international protection norms.

The Uyghur community in Xinjiang has faced severe repression since 2017, according to multiple reports from international human rights groups. It is estimated that up to one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in facilities described as re-education or internment camps. Restrictions on religious practice and cultural expression have also been widely documented in the region.

Xinjiang, located in northwestern China, is a vast territory characterized by deserts, mountains, and expansive plains, covering nearly 18 percent of China's total land area. The region is rich in natural resources, including coal and natural gas, and shares borders with eight countries: Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.

The population of Xinjiang is estimated at nearly 26 million, with Uyghurs representing the largest ethnic group. The Uyghur language is closely related to Turkish, reflecting historical and cultural ties. Other groups in the region include ethnic Han Chinese and Kazakhs, among others. Islam has been the dominant religion in Xinjiang for centuries.

The evolving relationship between Turkey and China is having a direct effect on the safety and security of Uyghur refugees in Turkey. As Ankara deepens its engagement with Beijing, international attention is focused on the human rights implications for vulnerable populations seeking refuge within Turkish borders.