Uyghur Figures – Khoja Niyaz Haji

Uyghur Figures – 14

Khoja Niyaz Haji is recognized as one of the most important leaders of the national revolution in East Turkestan during the 1930s. In the spring of 1931, Khoja Niyaz led an armed revolution against Chinese oppression in the city of Kumul. His leadership sparked revolutionary flames across East Turkestan. On November 12, 1933, he was elected as the first President of the East Turkestan Islamic Republic, which was established in Kashgar.

Khoja Niyaz was born in the late 19th century in a village near the city of Kumul, now known as Hami. The exact year of his birth is disputed, but some sources suggest 1887, though this remains undocumented. His father, Amin Niyaz, was a prominent local leader and village head, appointed by the Amir of Kumul.

Khoja Niyaz spent his early years in the mountainous areas surrounding Kumul. When he reached school age, his father enrolled him in a local school in Kumul city, where he studied alongside the children of prominent families, including Bashir, the son of Amir Shah Maqsud of Kumul. Later, he joined the Royal School, the most prestigious educational institution in the region. This school prepared its students with advanced training and exposed them to the socio-political challenges of the time. After completing his studies, Khoja Niyaz returned to his village, got married, and began his family life.

Shortly after his marriage, the Chinese government conscripted Khoja Niyaz for forced labor. He was tasked with transporting firewood and straw from his village to Chinese border guards stationed between East Turkestan and China. The journey took more than a month and subjected him to severe hardships, revealing the extent of the injustices inflicted upon the Uyghurs. This experience deeply affected him and ignited a revolutionary spirit within him.

Historical accounts indicate that Khoja Niyaz participated in the 1907 Turpan uprising. The failure of this revolution forced him into hiding in the mountainous regions of Kumul, but the prevalence of informants in the area eventually pushed him to relocate to Turpan. In Turpan, he adopted the alias Ishaq and enrolled in the Astana School, where he continued his education and formed strong friendships with other future revolutionary leaders, including Maqsud and Mahmud Muhiti.

Khoja Niyaz’s time in Turpan was cut short due to a royal proclamation issued by Prince Luqjin. Upon the advice of his mother, he left East Turkestan and embarked on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. He spent several years in Mecca, engaging with pilgrims from various Islamic regions and inquiring about the political and social conditions in East Turkestan. This period of spiritual and intellectual enrichment further solidified his commitment to the struggle for freedom and justice.

Khoja Niyaz returned to East Turkestan in 1912, at a time when revolutionary movements were gaining momentum. He joined a rebellion led by Timur Khalifa in Kumul and quickly gained recognition for his courage and tactical skills. However, the revolution was crushed by Yang Zengxin, the governor of Xinjiang, who used a combination of cunning political maneuvers and military force. In 1913, the assassination of Timur Khalifa led to heightened crackdowns, forcing Khoja Niyaz to flee once again.

Khoja Niyaz sought refuge in Russian-controlled Yarkent, where he collaborated with Uyghur leaders and organized self-defense groups during the Russian Revolution. His time in exile provided him with significant military training and political insights, which he would later leverage in his fight for Uyghur independence.

By 1930, the situation in Kumul had reached a boiling point. Governor Jin Shuren’s oppressive policies, including the forced migration of Han Chinese settlers into Uyghur lands and the abolition of the Kumul Khanate, sparked widespread resentment. In 1931, Khoja Niyaz emerged as a leader of the Kumul Rebellion. His leadership brought together various factions under a common cause, expanding the scope of the revolution and challenging Chinese authority.

The rebellion quickly spread beyond Kumul, with Khoja Niyaz’s forces achieving significant victories. His ability to unite disparate groups and sustain morale among the fighters was instrumental in the uprising’s early successes.

On November 12, 1933, the East Turkestan Islamic Republic was proclaimed in Kashgar. Khoja Niyaz was elected as its first president. This historic event represented a milestone in the struggle for Uyghur self-determination and independence. The republic aimed to establish a state based on Islamic principles, providing an alternative governance model to Chinese rule.

The East Turkestan Islamic Republic faced numerous challenges from its inception. Internal divisions among its leaders, coupled with external pressures from Chinese forces and Soviet intervention, weakened its stability. By early 1934, Soviet-backed Chinese forces launched a coordinated attack that led to the republic’s collapse. Khoja Niyaz sought alliances with other regional powers to continue the struggle, but the movement’s momentum diminished.

Following the fall of the republic, Khoja Niyaz aligned with Sheng Shicai, the Soviet-backed ruler of Xinjiang, in an effort to protect Uyghur interests. He was appointed Vice-Chairman of the provincial government, but his influence was gradually curtailed. In 1937, during a period of political purges orchestrated by Sheng and the Soviet Union, Khoja Niyaz was arrested. He was executed in 1941, marking the end of a life dedicated to the Uyghur cause.

Khoja Niyaz Haji remains a symbol of resistance and resilience in Uyghur history. His leadership during one of the most tumultuous periods in East Turkestan’s modern history continues to inspire efforts for self-determination and cultural preservation. His sacrifices underscore the enduring struggle for justice and freedom in the face of oppression.

By: Eset Suleiman