Published by: THE WORLD UYGHUR NETWORK NEWS December 15, 1997

12/09/97, TURKISTAN-L e-mail discussion list

"In organizing and establishing of its activities the Uighur Cultural Center is actively helped by the Quebec Turkish Cultural Society."

In 1997 an Uighur Community in Montreal registered a sharp growth of its members. The Uighur Cultural Center was organized and is holding regular sessions of its members.

In organizing and establishing of its activities the Uighur Cultural Center is actively helped by the Quebec Turkish Cultural Society, the mainstream Turkish social organization in Montreal.

On December 7, 1997 the first joint party was organized. More than 100 Turks (born in Turkey), about 40 Uighurs (born in China, Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan) and some representatives of Volga Tatar and Azeri Communities participated in this joyful and meaningful event.

The party was initiated by speaches of the leaders of both Cultural Organisations - Mr. Mehmet Sozen (Quebec Turkish Cultural Society) and Mr. Nur Muhammad (Montreal Uighur Culltural Center). Then chat (sometimes easy, sometimes difficult), meals, national and modern Turkish and Uighur dances followed...

It appeared easier to communicate in Turkish and Uighur than one could imagine, the only thing needed for that is to be a native Turkic speaker and a strong will to understand each other! We will continue this experience during our next party - New Year Party.

Renat Taziev (Taci) Member of the Quebec Turkish Cultural Society Council (Contacts with Other Turkic Communities)