The famous poet of the Uighur Turks, Abdurehim Heyit, was tortured to death in China.

World

1

The world-renowned poet of the Uighur Turks, Abdurehim Heyit, known as the "King of Dutar," was tortured to death in Chinese prisons.

The Chinese government, which subjects Uighur Turks to torture in concentration camps and uses them as cheap labor, has added another murder to its list of crimes.

Artist Bünyamin Aksungur announced on his social media account that Abdurehim Heyit, the globally recognized folk poet of the Uighur Turks, was tortured to death in the prison where he was being held. Aksungur’s post reads as follows:

HE WITHSTOOD TORTURE FOR 2 YEARS

"He was sentenced to 8 years in prison by the tyrannical Chinese government due to his songs 'Uçraşkanda “Karşılaşınca”' and 'Atalar.' In the so-called 'camp' (prison), he endured various and severe forms of torture. Only his son was allowed to visit him and said he found his father extremely weak and exhausted. No one believed he could survive 8 years of torture. Unfortunately, he could only withstand for 2 years. There had been rumors before that he had died or was killed, but they could not be confirmed. Sadly, this time the news is true.

ABDUREHIM HEYIT is our national martyr.

May Allah have mercy on him and grant him a place in heaven. May Allah help all those who suffer oppression, especially the Uighur Turks.

May Allah bring calamity upon all tyrants, especially the ruthless Chinese government."

ABDUREHIM HEYIT WAS ARRESTED IN 2017 IN ÜRÜMÇİ

Uighur poet Tahir Hamut described the arrest of Heyit, who was detained in April 2017, based on information he received from officials of the Xinjiang Song and Dance Troupe in Ürümçi:

"Before his arrest, the police had visited Heyit at his home several times. They questioned him about the song 'Atı’lar' (Ata’lar) that he composed and interpreted, asking why he had written and performed it. They also asked who the lyricist of the song was and why it was written.

Later, Abdurehim Abdullah, the poet who wrote the lyrics to the song, was also arrested. It is said that the police focused specifically on the phrase ‘the martyrs of war – jenglerde shehit’ in the song's lyrics and handled this part very carefully. The main message of the song was to remind people of our ancestors who died in past wars and to criticize the youth for partying and celebrating in today’s world. Some rumors suggest that he was arrested because these words were linked to extremism or jihad. Chinese police may have tried to associate the 'Ata’lar – Atilar' song with jihad in their own minds."

ABDUREHIM HEYIT’S SONGS

Most of the songs composed and performed by Abdurehim Heyit reflect the history and culture of the Uighurs. He performed them with great power. In particular, he interpreted poems from prominent Uighur poets, including his namesake, the famous Uighur poet and writer Abdurehim Otkur, such as "uchrashqanda- Karşılaşınca" (When We Met We). He also composed and performed many other poems by respected Uighur poets, blending them with modern Uighur music styles. Through his interpretation of these texts and poems, he revived the history and spirit of the Uighurs in the hearts, minds, and imaginations of his people.

Let me know if you need any further adjustments!