Today marks the birth anniversary of public figure and ideologist of an independent and united Turkestan, Mustafa Shokay. This year commemorates 135 years since the birth of the leader of the Turkic world. Mustafa Shokay was born on December 25, 1890, in Narshoky, a place along the Syr Darya river.
He graduated from the Faculty of Law at Saint Petersburg University and began his political career. In 1917, he was elected chairman of the Turkestan Autonomy established in Kokand. After facing pressure from Soviet authorities, he spent 21 years in exile in Europe. While living in France, he published the journal Yash Turkestan and contributed political articles to various publications.
Shokay addressed political platforms in major countries like Germany, England, and France, where he passionately spoke about the suffering of Turkic peoples under Soviet repressive policies. Many of his works are preserved today in libraries in France.
In 1941, Mustafa Shokay was admitted to the Victoria Hospital in Berlin in critical condition. On December 27 of that same year, he passed away under mysterious and unexplained circumstances.
Mustafa Shokay dedicated his life to the unity and independence of Turkic peoples. His life serves as an enduring example of tireless service to the nation’s interests.
