East Turkestan independence movement

Quick Facts: Who was East Turkestan independence movement?

Subject:

East Turkestan independence movement

Known for:

A political movement advocating for the independence of East Turkestan from China.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The East Turkestan independence movement is a political movement that seeks the independence of East Turkestan, a large and sparsely populated region in northwest China, as a nation state for the Uyghur people. The region is currently administered by the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Within the movement, there is widespread support for the region to be renamed, since "Xinjiang" (meaning "new territory" in Chinese) is seen by independence activists as a colonial name. "East Turkestan" is the best-known proposed name as it is the historical geographic name of the region and the name of the two independent states that briefly existed in the region in the first half of the 20th century. Large parts of Xinjiang were under intermittent influence of the Chinese, since roughly 2,000 years ago during the Han dynasty.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 101 BC, during the Han dynasty the far eastern parts of the region was settled by the Chinese military garrisons, and outposts such as canton points were established, where each point became the initial distribution area for the Han military garrisons after entering the region. After the establishment of the Protectorate of the Western Regions in 60 BCE, Han settlers entered the Tarim Basin. The Tang dynasty also influenced the Western Regions until Chinese influence was lost in the 8th century, and direct control of the region would not resume until the Qing dynasty a thousand years later. In the 18th century, Uyghurs rebelled against the ruling Dzungar Khanate. The Manchu Qing dynasty took control of the region in 1756 during the Dzungar–Qing Wars and established Xinjiang as an administrative region in 1759.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Xinjiang was subsequently inherited by the Republic of China (ROC), which succeeded the Qing dynasty after the 1911 Revolution, and then by the PRC, which mostly succeeded the ROC after the Chinese Communist Revolution (1949), although Taiwan proper and its surrounding islands have remained under ROC rule until the present day. Throughout Qing and ROC rule, there were several periods of brief de facto independence for either the entire region of Xinjiang or parts of it, as well as foreign occupation and warlord governance. The PRC incorporation of Xinjiang occurred soon after the PRC was established in 1949, and since then, Xinjiang has remained part of China. Historically, the region had various independent states, mostly nomadic hordes, prior to the 1750s. Xinjiang has been a hotbed of ethnic and religious conflict throughout much of the period that it has been governed by successive Chinese regimes.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1756: 1756 Milestone — The Manchu Qing dynasty took control of the region in 1756 during the Dzungar–Qing Wars and established Xinjiang as an administrative region in 1759.
2. 1911: 1911 Milestone — Xinjiang was subsequently inherited by the Republic of China (ROC), which succeeded the Qing dynasty after the 1911 Revolution, and then by the PRC, which mostly succeeded the ROC after the Chinese Communist Revolution (1949), although Taiwan proper and its surrounding islands have remained under ROC rule until the present day.
3. 1949: 1949 Milestone — The PRC incorporation of Xinjiang occurred soon after the PRC was established in 1949, and since then, Xinjiang has remained part of China.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: East Turkestan independence movement

True or False: “The name 'Xinjiang' was historically used by all local populations to refer to the region before Chinese administration.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Independence activists view 'Xinjiang,' meaning 'new territory' in Chinese, as a colonial designation, preferring historical names like East Turkestan.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aaron Burr — Historical peer (Born in 1756) (1756): American politician, lawyer, and statesman known for his role in the Jeffersonian era.
• Ernst Chladni — Historical peer (Born in 1756) (1756): Pioneering German physicist, mathematician, and musician, known for acoustics research.
• Adrien Duport — Historical peer (Born in 1759) (1759): French politician and lawyer, known for his advocacy in the Parlement and opposition to royal ministers.
• Arabanoo — Historical peer (Born in 1759) (1759): Eora man forcibly taken by British colonists, becoming a key figure in early interactions.
• A. N. Sherwin-White — Historical peer (Born in 1911) (1911): British academic and ancient historian, specializing in Roman law and society.
• Ahmed Urabi — Historical peer (Died in 1911) (1911): Pioneering Egyptian military and political leader who spearheaded the 'Urabi Revolt.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• Alan García — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Controversial Peruvian politician who served two non-consecutive terms as President of Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions about East Turkestan independence movement