Nury Turkel is an esteemed attorney, author, and advocate whose expertise in U.S.-China relations and human rights has defined his robust career spanning law, government, and advocacy. As a pioneer for the Uyghur community in the United States, Turkel’s work encompasses significant achievements in legal education and human rights discourse.

Recognized as the first Uyghur to become an attorney in the U.S., Turkel is also a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations. His leadership roles include serving as a Senior Advisor at the Krach Institute of Tech Diplomacy and on the Advisory Board for the Notre Dame Law School Religious Liberty Initiative.

As a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, Turkel focuses on vital issues like national security, foreign policy, and the growing impact of digital authoritarianism. His authoritative essays have been published in major outlets such as Foreign Policy and the New York Times, and he frequently appears on global networks like CNN and BBC to provide expert commentary.

Turkel was honored in TIME’s “100 Most Influential People in the World of 2020” for his far-reaching influence and advocacy. In 2021, Fortune Magazine recognized him among the world’s 50 Greatest Leaders, and he received the prestigious Notre Dame Prize for Religious Liberty. His commitment to human rights was further acknowledged in 2022 with the Global Soul Award from Jewish World Watch.

Nury Turkel is a compelling public speaker who regularly addresses audiences at key global events. He draws on his fluency in English, Chinese, Turkish, and several Central Asian languages to connect with diverse international audiences.

His notable book, “No Escape,” explores the tragic circumstances faced by the Uyghurs under Chinese governance, exposing the harsh realities of their persecution. For this work, he received the “2023 Moore Prize for Human Rights Writing,” which celebrates his impactful contribution to human rights literature.

Professionally, Turkel’s expertise extends to global corporate compliance and governance, focusing on adherence to U.S. and international regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. He serves as Compliance Officer and Counsel for Ericsson, leading initiatives to foster ethical business practices and compliance.

Previously, Turkel practiced at Kristen & Young, specializing in aviation law, and managed his legal practice focused on trade, human rights, and immigration.

As the former U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) chairman, Turkel was a vocal advocate for marginalized populations, pushing for U.S. and international action against human rights abuses.

Born in Kashgar, China, Turkel now lives in the U.S. with his wife, Nazli. His passions for music, literature, and cultural exploration enrich his life.

Portfolio: https://nuryturkel.com/