Texas Uyghur Society (TUS) is a Houston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Uyghur culture, language, and identity while supporting the Uyghur community in Texas. Founded by community members, TUS serves as a cultural, educational, and social hub for Uyghurs and friends of the Uyghur people.
Our mission is rooted in community empowerment, cultural preservation, and advocacy for human dignity. Through educational programs, cultural events, and community support initiatives, we strive to strengthen our community and pass our rich heritage on to future generations.
Our Mission
Our mission is to:
Preserve and promote Uyghur culture, language, and traditions
Support Uyghur families and individuals living in Texas
Educate the public about Uyghur history, culture, and human rights
Foster unity, resilience, and community engagement
What We Do
Cultural & Educational Programs
We organize cultural celebrations, language classes, youth programs, and community gatherings to keep Uyghur traditions alive and accessible for all generations.
Community Support
Texas Uyghur Society provides guidance, resources, and mutual support to Uyghur families, including newcomers adapting to life in the United States.
Advocacy & Awareness
We work to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Uyghurs globally and advocate for justice, freedom, and human rights through peaceful and lawful means.
Our Community
Texas is home to a growing Uyghur community. Texas Uyghur Society welcomes:
Uyghur families and individuals
Volunteers and supporters
Partner organizations and allies
We believe that a strong community is built on compassion, collaboration, and shared responsibility.
Get Involved
Whether you are interested in volunteering, attending events, supporting our mission, or learning more about Uyghur culture, we welcome you to join us.
Together, we can preserve our heritage, support our community, and build a stronger future.
Who Are the Uyghurs?
The Uyghurs are a Turkic ethnic group with a rich history, distinct language, and vibrant cultural traditions. For centuries, Uyghurs have lived in their ancestral homeland in East Turkistan, a region in Central Asia that today is officially referred to as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region by colonial name.
Uyghur culture is deeply rooted in family, community, hospitality, literature, and craftsmanship. The Uyghur language belongs to the Turkic language family and has been passed down through generations as a core part of Uyghur identity. Islam has also been an important part of Uyghur life for over a thousand years, shaping values, customs, and daily practices.
A People With a Rich Heritage
Throughout history, Uyghurs have contributed significantly to art, trade, scholarship, and culture along the ancient Silk Road. Despite periods of hardship, Uyghur identity has endured through resilience, strong family bonds, and a deep connection to cultural heritage.
Today, millions of Uyghurs continue to strive to preserve their language, traditions, and way of life—both in their homeland and throughout the global diaspora.
The Current Situation
In recent years, Uyghurs in their homeland have faced severe and unprecedented challenges. Credible reports from international organizations, governments, and human rights groups describe widespread violations of fundamental human rights. These include mass surveillance, arbitrary detention, restrictions on religious and cultural expression, family separation, and forced labor.
As a result, many Uyghurs have been displaced, separated from loved ones, or forced to flee their homeland in search of safety and freedom. Uyghur communities around the world now carry the responsibility of preserving culture, supporting one another, and raising awareness about the ongoing crisis.
Our Responsibility as a Community
For Uyghurs living in Texas and across the United States, preserving cultural identity is not only a celebration of heritage—it is an act of resilience. Education, cultural programs, and community unity are essential to ensuring that Uyghur history, language, and values are not lost.
Texas Uyghur Society exists to support this mission: to preserve Uyghur culture, support families, and educate the public through peaceful, lawful, and community-centered efforts.
Why This Matters
Understanding who the Uyghurs are—and the challenges they face—is essential to building compassion, solidarity, and meaningful support. Through awareness, education, and community engagement, we believe a more just and humane future is possible.
By standing together, we honor our heritage and strengthen our voice for dignity and human rights.
Uyghur Organizations & Resources
Texas Uyghur Society collaborates with and supports the work of other Uyghur organizations dedicated to cultural preservation, humanitarian support, research, and human rights advocacy. We encourage our community and visitors to learn more through the organizations below.