Episode 3
Catching Feelings:
Contemporary Uyghur Poetry

On today’s episode, Mukaddas and John discuss the artform of poetry and the important place it holds in Uyghur culture and in the hearts of Uyghur people. 

Our conversation with Joshua Freeman begins at 9:03. You can find some of his translations of Uyghur poetry here: https://scholar.princeton.edu/jfreeman/translations

Our conversation with Merdan Ehet’eli begins at 24:42. Here is a translation and a recording of Merdan reciting one of his best-known works, Common Night: https://www.asymptotejournal.com/poetry/merdan-eheteli-common-night/

Our conversation with Muyesser Hendan begins at 33:46. Hendan recites her poem, “Back Into the Flames” in Uyghur during this interview. Here is a recording of Mukaddas Mijit reciting the English version of the poem, as translated by Joshua Freeman: 

In the episode, we also hear clips of poems performed by the following singers:
Nurjan Hapiz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7syPNZa6aQ
Ayturghan Hasanova: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeEenbO-p1g

Mukaddas and John also discuss the Uyghur poets Perhat Tursun and Tahir Hamut Izgil. Translations of some of their poetry are available on Joshua Freeman’s translation page, here: https://scholar.princeton.edu/jfreeman/translations

For more information on Joshua Freeman, Merdan Ehet’eli, and Muyesser Hendan, please visit the Community page.

Find this episode by searching for “WEghur Stories” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Stitchr, YouTube, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.