Soviet Policy in Xinjiang: Stalin and the National Movement in Eastern Turkistan

Jamil Hasanli's book delves into Soviet involvement in the anti-China rebellion in East Turkistan, highlighting the changes in Stalins policies and the establishment of the Eastern Turkistan Republic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Jamil Hasanli delves into the intriguing depths of Soviet involvement in the anti-China rebellion in East Turkistan, utilizing recently declassified Soviet documents. Tracing the historical trajectory back to the early 1930s, when the Turkic national movement faced suppression under the Soviet government, Hasanli skillfully unravels the intricate tapestry of events leading up to the establishment of the Eastern Turkistan Republic in 1944 and the subsequent onset of the Cold War.

The suppression of the Turkic national movement by the Soviet government in the early 1930s marked a significant turning point in the region's political landscape. The USSR's policies towards the Turkic people underwent a profound transformation following the outbreak of World War II and the treachery of Sheng Shicai, a prominent figure within the Turkic national movement.

Under the leadership of Stalin, the Soviet government adopted a more aggressive stance towards the Turkic national movement. The establishment of the Eastern Turkistan Republic in 1944, with Umar Khayyam as its first president, was a direct result of these policies. The Republic was strategically located in Central Asia, bordering China and the Soviet Union, making it a valuable asset in the geopolitical chessboard of the time.

However, the establishment of the Eastern Turkistan Republic also marked the beginning of a new chapter in the region's history, one that would be marked by conflict, instability, and the escalation of the Cold War. The Republic's proximity to China and its support for the anti-communist movement made it a target for the Soviet Union, which saw it as a potential threat to its own interests.

The Cold War in East Turkistan was characterized by a series of military interventions, political maneuvers, and covert operations by both the Soviet Union and the United States. The Republic's government was subjected to constant pressure and intimidation, with the Soviet Union attempting to undermine its legitimacy and control its internal affairs.

At the same time, the United States saw the Republic as a potential ally in its efforts to contain the spread of communism in the region. The CIA and other intelligence agencies supported the Turkic national movement, providing them with financial and logistical support.

The Cold War in East Turkistan also had a significant impact on the lives of the people living in the region. The conflict led to widespread displacement, with millions of people forced to flee their homes due to military operations or political instability. The Republic's economy was also heavily affected, with the Soviet Union imposing economic sanctions and implementing policies that aimed to undermine the Republic's independence.

Despite the challenges and hardships faced by the people of East Turkistan, the Turkic national movement continued to fight for their rights and independence. The Republic's government, led by Umar Khayyam, remained committed to the cause of self-determination and worked to establish a stable and prosperous society.

However, the Cold War in East Turkistan also had a lasting impact on the region's political landscape. The conflict led to the division of the Republic into two separate entities, with the western part becoming part of the People's Republic of China and the eastern part becoming part of the Soviet Union. The division of the Republic was a result of the Soviet Union's efforts to control the region and prevent the spread of anti-communist sentiment.

In conclusion, Jamil Hasanli's exploration of Soviet involvement in the anti-China rebellion in East Turkistan provides a valuable insight into the complex and multifaceted history of the region. Through the use of declassified Soviet documents, Hasanli sheds light on the suppression of the Turkic national movement, the establishment of the Eastern Turkistan Republic, and the subsequent Cold War. The book offers a comprehensive account of the events that shaped the region's political landscape and highlights the resilience and determination of the Turkic people in their struggle for self-determination.

ISBN-13: 9781793641281