Uyghur Figures – Mahmud Muhiti

Uyghur Figures – 13

Mahmud Muhiti was born in Turpan in 1887 into a middle-income family. He was educated in his hometown and later accompanied his brothers, Mosul Bay and Maqsud Muhiti, on business trips to various cities across East Turkestan, Russia, Kashmir, Kazan, Moscow, and Saint Petersburg. During his time in Russia, he studied modern sciences and learned Russian, which later enabled him to assist his brother Maqsud Muhiti in establishing a modern school.

At the end of 1932, when his brother led the revolution, Mahmud managed family affairs while also fighting on the front lines in the Turfan and Bijan battles. After his brother was martyred in battle, Mahmud officially joined the army front and continued to fight for his brother’s vision of liberating East Turkestan. He led many fierce battles, demonstrating exceptional combat skills and outstanding courage.

Mahmud Muhiti engaged in several battles against the forces of Sheng Shicai and Ma Zhongying, under the leadership of Khoja Niyaz. On January 13, 1934, he reached Kashgar. By the summer of 1934, after Kashgar was pacified, Mahmud played a crucial role in organizing military and administrative units, as well as advancing economic, cultural, and educational development.

A staunch advocate for education, Mahmud supported the New Education Movement led by Mohammad Ali (Tawfiq), a reformer educated in Turkey. He worked to create an environment conducive to educational reform, founding several institutions to expand access to modern education in Kashgar. Notably, he established the Darul Uloom in Kashgar and helped form the “Commission for Reform in Schools and Mosques” in 1935, with Naimi Damla as its chairman. The committee aimed to develop education suited to the scientific age, promote modern sciences, raise public consciousness, and enrich cultural life. It carefully managed institutional funds, using them for suitable purposes like renovating schools and mosques, paying educators, and supporting orphans and widows. The committee initially managed 17 schools and over 100 mosques in Kashgar, appointing qualified teachers and administrators through a merit-based system. It also dismissed unqualified personnel regardless of lineage or wealth, replacing them with capable young individuals.

Under Mahmud’s leadership, evening literacy courses were introduced, and income from endowments like farmland and shops was redirected toward education. He also encouraged cultural awareness through articles published in Kashgar’s New Life Newspaper, urging people to embrace freedom and equality while resisting superstition and tyranny. His schools nurtured talented individuals who went on to play pivotal roles in Uyghur society and beyond.

Mahmud maintained a close relationship with the Soviet Union, facilitating the education of Uyghur students at Central Asian universities. Between 1934 and 1936, 300 students were sent to universities in Tashkent and other Central Asian cities, marking a significant milestone in Uyghur history. These new intellectuals contributed to various fields during East Turkestan’s development. Building on his brother Maqsud’s primary and secondary education efforts, Mahmud elevated the education movement in Southern East Turkestan to new heights.

By 1936, Mahmud faced increasing challenges as Sheng Shicai targeted Kashgar’s educational and cultural centers, fearing their support for Khoja Niyaz. Although Khoja Niyaz was brought to Urumchi and Mahmud was appointed commander of the Kashgar Military Division, Sheng Shicai continued to undermine his authority. Trusted allies of Mahmud were summoned to Urumchi under false pretenses, and police stations across southern East Turkestan were co-opted for espionage. Several of Mahmud’s supporters were imprisoned or killed.

Aware that Sheng Shicai sought to eliminate him, Mahmud could not openly confront him due to Sheng’s backing by the Soviet Union. Efforts to seek assistance from Nanjing were fruitless; Chiang Kai-shek responded that he was preoccupied with the war against Japan. Mahmud’s situation grew increasingly precarious as spies infiltrated his ranks and traitors reported his plans to Soviet and local officials.

In December 1936, Mahmud convened his loyalists, including Ismail Bey and others, to deliberate on the next course of action. Two strategies emerged: immediate revolution or waiting for the right opportunity. Mahmud chose the latter, but his plans were leaked, intensifying Sheng Shicai’s efforts against him.

In early 1937, Mahmud prepared to mobilize his forces to Yenissar, but Sheng Shicai preempted him. On April 4, 1937, Mahmud left Kashgar with 35 companions, delegating military command to Abdul Niyaz Kamal.

Mahmud Muhiti’s decision to leave Kashgar was driven by his dire circumstances. He had two options: surrender to Sheng Shicai and face certain death or seek help from abroad. While some sources suggest he initially fled to India and then to Turkey, others report that he performed Hajj in Saudi Arabia before traveling to Japan via Shanghai. He eventually returned to Beijing, settling in the Palace of the Emir of Qumul where he died of illness in 1944.

Mahmud left behind several children, including Abdul Hameed Muhiti, Hajer Muhiti, Khadija Muhiti, Abdul Aziz Muhiti, Abdul Majid Muhiti, and Bishara Muhiti. Some of his children were martyred in battles, while others endured lives of hardship.

Mahmud Muhiti’s enduring legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to education, his remarkable leadership in times of turmoil, and his lifelong dedication to the liberation and advancement of East Turkestan.