1. Overview
Elihan Tore (ئەلىخان تۆرەAlihan ToreUighur; 艾力汗·吐烈Àilìhàn·TǔlièChinese; Ali Khan TüreAli Khan TüreUighur (Latin script); әлихан төрәƏlihan TörəUighur; Алихонтўра Шокирхўжа ўғлиAlikhontoʻra Shokirxoʻja oʻgʻliUzbek) (March 21, 1884 - February 28, 1976) was a prominent Uzbek poet, religious leader, and revolutionary who played a pivotal role in the East Turkestan independence movement. He served as the first president of the Second East Turkestan Republic, a short-lived state established in Xinjiang (East Turkestan) with Soviet support. Tore was born in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan, and after facing political and religious persecution in the Soviet Union, he migrated to Kashgar. He was instrumental in forming a liberation organization in Ghulja that led to the Ili Rebellion in 1944, aiming to end Chinese Nationalist rule and establish an independent East Turkestan. His leadership saw the formation of the East Turkestan National Army and the establishment of the republic's government. Notably, Tore was the only leader within the republic who opposed Joseph Stalin's directive to cease hostilities and negotiate with the Chinese Nationalists, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the cause of self-determination. He was forcibly repatriated to the Soviet Union by the KGB in 1946, where he remained under house arrest in Tashkent until his death, dedicating his later years to writing, including his significant memoir Türkistan kaygısı (Turkistan Tragedy). His legacy is marked by his contributions to the struggle for regional autonomy and human rights in East Turkestan.
2. Early Life and Background
Elihan Tore's early life was shaped by his origins in Central Asia and his deep engagement with religious and intellectual pursuits, which later propelled him into political activism and leadership.
2.1. Birth and Early Life
Elihan Tore was born on March 21, 1884, in Tokmok, a city located in present-day Kyrgyzstan. At the time of his birth, Tokmok was part of the Russian Empire. Some sources also identify his birthplace as Balasagun, an ancient city near Tokmok. During his youth, Tore pursued extensive studies in Bukhara, where he delved into religious texts, particularly the Quran, and also acquired knowledge in medicine. This early education provided him with a strong foundation in both spiritual and practical disciplines.
2.2. Activities in the Soviet Union and Migration to Xinjiang
Tore's religious and political activities led to conflict with the authorities in the Soviet Union. In 1924, he was arrested by Soviet security forces for organizing an illegal Islamic group. Following his arrest, he managed to escape from the Soviet Union in 1927, seeking refuge in Kashgar, a city in Xinjiang, which was then part of the Republic of China. His activism continued in Xinjiang, leading to his arrest again in 1937 under the regime of Sheng Shicai, the provincial governor. He was eventually released in 1941 and subsequently became an Imam in Ghulja (Yining), where he continued to exert influence as a religious figure.
3. Role in the Second East Turkestan Republic
Elihan Tore emerged as a central figure in the establishment and leadership of the Second East Turkestan Republic, guiding its political and military endeavors during a tumultuous period.
3.1. Formation of the Separatist Organization and the Ili Rebellion
In April 1944, Elihan Tore, alongside Abdulkerim Abbas and ten or eleven other Turkic leaders, established a liberation organization in Ghulja (Yining). The primary objective of this organization was to end the rule of the Chinese Nationalists in East Turkestan and to establish an independent state. On November 11, 1944, this organization launched the Ili Rebellion, an armed uprising that received significant support from the Soviet Union. The rebellion quickly gained momentum, leading to the capture of Ghulja.
3.2. Presidency of the Second East Turkestan Republic
Following the successful rebellion in Ghulja, Elihan Tore was elected as the first president of the Second East Turkestan Republic on November 12, 1944. On the same day, the liberation front declared the independence of the republic. His tenure as president lasted from 1944 to 1946. During his presidency, the government and institutions of the new republic were established. He was supported by Akhmetjan Qasimi, who served as Vice President.
3.3. Military Leadership and Political Stance
As president, Elihan Tore also held the military rank of Marshal of the East Turkestan National Army, which was officially formed on April 8, 1945. In September 1945, the Ili National Army, under Tore's command, initiated an offensive towards Urumqi. The army achieved significant victories, defeating the forces of the National Revolutionary Army. However, on October 14, 1945, peace negotiations commenced between the Chinese Nationalist Government and the Soviet government. Joseph Stalin subsequently issued an order for the Ili National Army to halt its offensive on Urumqi and begin negotiations with the Chinese Nationalists. Elihan Tore was the sole leader within the East Turkestan Republic's leadership who staunchly opposed Stalin's directive, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the republic's independence and his resistance to external political pressures. Despite his opposition, other government officials complied with the order.
4. Downfall and Exile
Elihan Tore's leadership of the Second East Turkestan Republic came to an abrupt end due to external intervention, leading to his forced repatriation and confinement.
4.1. Forced Repatriation and Confinement
On June 12, 1946, a peace agreement was signed in Urumqi between representatives of the East Turkestan Republic and the Chinese Nationalists, concluding eight months of difficult negotiations mediated by the Soviet Union. Just six days after the signing of this agreement, on June 16, 1946, Elihan Tore was forcibly returned to the Soviet Union by the KGB. He was subsequently confined under house arrest in Tashkent, the capital of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. Tore spent the remainder of his life in confinement in Tashkent, effectively losing his freedom and direct involvement in the East Turkestan independence movement.
4.2. Writing and Memoirs
During his confinement in Tashkent, Elihan Tore dedicated himself to literary work. He authored a significant memoir about Xinjiang titled Türkistan kaygısı, which translates to "Turkistan Tragedy." This work serves as a crucial historical account and reflection on the events and struggles he witnessed and led. He also wrote other works during this period.
5. Death
Elihan Tore died on February 28, 1976, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he had been under house arrest since his forced repatriation. His death was due to illness.
6. Legacy and Evaluation
Elihan Tore's historical significance lies in his leadership of the Second East Turkestan Republic and his unwavering commitment to the self-determination of the people of East Turkestan. He is remembered as a key figure in the region's struggle for autonomy and human rights. His defiance of Joseph Stalin's orders to halt the military offensive against the Chinese Nationalists highlights his independent spirit and dedication to the cause, distinguishing him among the republic's leaders. His forced repatriation by the KGB is often viewed as a tragic end to his active political career, underscoring the complex geopolitical forces at play in the region during the mid-20th century. Despite his confinement, his literary contributions, particularly his memoir Türkistan kaygısı, have preserved his perspective and provided valuable insights into the history of East Turkestan. His legacy continues to be recognized, with the magazine Islamic Turkistan mentioning him in an article about the region's history.
7. Works
Elihan Tore's published works reflect his deep engagement with the history and struggles of his people, particularly during his period of confinement.
- Türkistan kaygısı (Turkistan Tragedy), published in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, by East Publishing House in 2003. This memoir provides a historical account of events in Xinjiang.
- Tarihiy Muhammadiy, published in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, by Kutlukkhan Shakirov.
- Drifter Saghuniy