Uighur children of Abdulaziz Abdulvahid play at the entrance to their home in Kayseri, Turkey, January 31, 2019. Abdulvahid, a 39-year-old Uighur man who has health problems and survives on Red Crescent aid, and his children, have spent most of their lives in Kayseri. Two of children remain in Xinjiang, and he has not been in contact with them or any other family members since 2013. "I spent all my money to come to Turkey. I can't work because of a serious back problem. We are in need of help to survive," said Abdulvahid. REUTERS/Murad Sezer SEARCH "SEZER NOURMUHAMMED" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Mehdi Omar, a 62-year-old Uighur shoemaker, works at his workshop in Kayseri, Turkey, January 31, 2019. Omar has been living in Turkey for five years with his ethnic Uighur wife from Kazakhstan, and has yet to receive residency papers. "I have no work permit so I can't start a business. I have to make a living by selling my handmade shoes on the streets," he said. REUTERS/Murad Sezer SEARCH "SEZER NOURMUHAMMED" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Abdulaziz Abdulvahid, a 39-year-old Uighur man who has health problems and survives on Red Crescent aid, poses with his wife and seven children at their home in Kayseri, Turkey, January 31, 2019. Two of Abdulvahid's children remain in Xinjiang, and he has not been in contact with them or any other family members since 2013. "I spent all my money to come to Turkey. I can't work because of a serious back problem. We are in need of help to survive," said Abdulvahid. REUTERS/Murad Sezer SEARCH "SEZER NOURMUHAMMED" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Seyit Tumturk, president of a rights organisation called the National Assembly of East Turkestan, the name that Uighur exiles use for Xinjiang, poses in front of the headquarters of East Turkestan Culture and Solidarity Association in Kayseri, Turkey, January 31, 2019. While Uighurs had no problems in Turkey until three or four years ago, Ankara's security concerns and stronger ties with Beijing reversed that trend, said Tumturk. Perceptions of Uighurs suffered after some went to fight with jihadists against President Bashar al-Assad's forces, because of the Syrian government's close ties with Beijing, Tumturk said, adding China has ramped up pressure since then. REUTERS/Murad Sezer SEARCH "SEZER NOURMUHAMMED" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Uighur boys who have lost at least one parent, raise their hands during a Koran class in a madrasa, or religious school, in Kayseri, Turkey, January 31, 2019. The madrasa that shelters 34 children, including eight who have lost at least one parent, in Kayseri, a central Anatolian city, has received Uighurs since the 1960s and today hosts the second largest population of Uighur exiles in Turkey. REUTERS/Murad Sezer SEARCH "SEZER NOURMUHAMMED" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Uighur girls attend a Koran class in a madrasa, or religious school, in Kayseri, Turkey, January 31, 2019. The madrasa that shelters 34 children, including eight who have lost at least one parent, in Kayseri, a central Anatolian city, has received Uighurs since the 1960s and today hosts the second largest population of Uighur exiles in Turkey. REUTERS/Murad Sezer SEARCH "SEZER NOURMUHAMMED" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Uighur men and boys perform their evening prayers led by Ruz Mohammed, known as Hafiz Bilal, in a madrasa, or religious school, in Kayseri, Turkey, January 31, 2019. The madrasa that shelters 34 children, including eight who have lost at least one parent, in Kayseri, a central Anatolian city, has received Uighurs since the 1960s and today hosts the second largest population of Uighur exiles in Turkey. "I spent a month in a camp and after I was released, I immediately came to Turkey. In this madrasa, I am trying to raise children as good Muslims," said Hafiz Bilal. REUTERS/Murad Sezer SEARCH "SEZER NOURMUHAMMED" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Worshippers pray in the Hunat Hatun Mosque in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri, Turkey, March 26, 2018. REUTERS/Umit Bektas 

A general view of Kayseri, Turkey, March 26, 2018. REUTERS/Umit Bektas SEARCH "BEKTAS EXPRESS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A worshipper prays outside a mosque in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri, Turkey, March 26, 2018. REUTERS/Umit Bektas SEARCH "BEKTAS EXPRESS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Busra Korkmaz (L), 20, Ozlem Ozderya (R), 20 and Berfin Abadan (R top), 21, chat onboard the Eastern Express travelling through Kayseri province en route from Ankara to Kars, Turkey, April 9, 2018. REUTERS/Umit Bektas SEARCH "BEKTAS EXPRESS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

University student Sinan Usta, 24, decorates his compartment with candles and lights as the Eastern Express travels through Kayseri province en route from Ankara to Kars, Turkey, April 9, 2018. Sinan decorated the wagon with candles and rainbow coloured flashing lights for his girlfriend. "We had this journey planned months ago. But my girlfriend's family didn't allow her," he said. "I don't like leaving things unfinished, so I took the train anyway." REUTERS/Umit Bektas SEARCH "BEKTAS EXPRESS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

People walk along a street in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri, Turkey, March 26, 2018. REUTERS/Umit Bektas SEARCH "BEKTAS EXPRESS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Mine Nur, 28, hugs Huseyin Emre Sen, 29, after he proposed to her on board the Eastern Express travelling through Kayseri province en route from Ankara to Kars, Turkey, April 9, 2018. "We love travelling, so this suits us perfectly. This is a short demo of a life-long journey together," said Emre. REUTERS/Umit Bektas SEARCH "BEKTAS EXPRESS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

People wave Turkish flags during a protest against Saturday's blast targeting military personnel in Kayseri, in Ankara, Turkey December 19, 2016. REUTERS/Umit Bektas 

People gather behind the flag-wrapped coffin of Turkish soldier Goksel Mustafa Agacyetistiren, who was killed in Saturday's blasts in Kayseri, during the funeral ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Huseyin Aldemir 

Relatives of Turkish soldier Goksel Mustafa Agacyetistiren, who was killed in Saturday's blasts in Kayseri, mourn during the funeral ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Huseyin Aldemir 

Friends and relatives mourn during a funeral ceremony for Turkish soldier Goksel Mustafa Agacyetistiren, who was killed in Saturday's blasts in Kayseri, in Istanbul, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Huseyin Aldemir 

Relatives of Turkish soldier Goksel Mustafa Agacyetistiren, who was killed in Saturday's blasts in Kayseri, mourn during the funeral ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Huseyin Aldemir 

People mourn during a funeral ceremony for Turkish soldier Goksel Mustafa Agacyetistiren, who was killed in Saturday's blasts in Kayseri, in Istanbul, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Huseyin Aldemir 

A demonstrator waves Turkish flags on top of a police vehicle during a protest against Saturday's blast targetting military personnel in Kayseri, in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Sertac Kayar TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

People wave Turkish flags during a protest against Saturday's blast targetting military personnel in Kayseri, in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Sertac Kayar 

People gather to protest against Saturday's blast targetting military personnel in Kayseri, in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Sertac Kayar 

People wave Turkish flags during a protest against Saturday's blast targetting military personnel in Kayseri, in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Sertac Kayar 

People wave Turkish flags during a protest against Saturday's blast targetting military personnel in Kayseri, in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Sertac Kayar 

Officers and people attend the funeral ceremony of Fehmi Barcin, a Turkish soldier killed in Saturday's blast in the central Turkish city of Kayseri, in Istanbul, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Osman Orsal 

Bahri, father of Turkish soldier Fehmi Barcin, who was killed in Saturday's blasts in the central Turkish city of Kayseri, and Fehmi's fiancee Elif Ozcan, mourn during the funeral ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Osman Orsal 

Bahri, father of Turkish soldier Fehmi Barcin, who was killed in Saturday's blast in the central Turkish city of Kayseri, and Fehmi's fiancee Elif Ozcan, mourn during the funeral ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Osman Orsal 

People attend the funeral ceremony of Fehmi Barcin, a Turkish soldier killed in Saturday's blast in the central Turkish city of Kayseri, in Istanbul, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Osman Orsal 

Members of police special forces stand guard during a funeral ceremony of Fehmi Barcin, a Turkish soldier killed in Saturday's blast in the central Turkish city of Kayseri, in Istanbul, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Osman Orsal 

Relatives and friends carry flag-wrapped coffin of Fehmi Barcin, a Turkish soldier killed in Saturday's blast in the central Turkish city of Kayseri, in Istanbul, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Osman Orsal 

Ayse Barcin, mother of Fehmi Barcin, a Turkish soldier killed in Saturday's blasts in the central Turkish city of Kayseri, mourns during his funeral ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Osman Orsal 

Ayse Barcin, mother of Fehmi Barcin, a Turkish soldier killed in Saturday's blasts in the central Turkish city of Kayseri, mourns during his funeral ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey, December 18, 2016. REUTERS/Osman Orsal 

Uighur refugee boys read the Koran where they are housed in a gated complex in the central city of Kayseri, Turkey, February 11, 2015. Thousands of members of China's Turkic language-speaking Muslim ethnic minority have reached Turkey, mostly since last year, infuriating Beijing, which accuses Ankara of helping its citizens flee unlawfully. Turkish officials deny playing any direct role in assisting the flight. Picture taken February 11, 2015. To match Insight TURKEY-CHINA/UIGHURS REUTERS/Umit Bektas 

Uighur refugee men pray where they are housed in a gated complex in the central city of Kayseri, Turkey, February 11, 2015. Thousands of members of China's Turkic language-speaking Muslim ethnic minority have reached Turkey, mostly since last year, infuriating Beijing, which accuses Ankara of helping its citizens flee unlawfully. Turkish officials deny playing any direct role in assisting the flight. Picture taken February 11, 2015. To match Insight TURKEY-CHINA/UIGHURS REUTERS/Umit Bektas 

An Uighur refugee boy does his homework where he is housed in a gated complex in the central city of Kayseri, Turkey, February 11, 2015. Thousands of members of China's Turkic language-speaking Muslim ethnic minority have reached Turkey, mostly since last year, infuriating Beijing, which accuses Ankara of helping its citizens flee unlawfully. Turkish officials deny playing any direct role in assisting the flight. Picture taken February 11, 2015. To match Insight TURKEY-CHINA/UIGHURS REUTERS/Umit Bektas 

Uighur refugee boys read the Koran where they are housed in a gated complex in the central city of Kayseri, Turkey, February 11, 2015. Thousands of members of China's Turkic language-speaking Muslim ethnic minority have reached Turkey, mostly since last year, infuriating Beijing, which accuses Ankara of helping its citizens flee unlawfully. Turkish officials deny playing any direct role in assisting the flight. Picture taken February 11, 2015. To match Insight TURKEY-CHINA/UIGHURS REUTERS/Umit Bektas 

An Uighur refugee boy reads the Koran where he is housed in a gated complex in the central city of Kayseri, Turkey, February 11, 2015. Thousands of members of China's Turkic language-speaking Muslim ethnic minority have reached Turkey, mostly since last year, infuriating Beijing, which accuses Ankara of helping its citizens flee unlawfully. Turkish officials deny playing any direct role in assisting the flight. Picture taken February 11, 2015. To match Insight TURKEY-CHINA/UIGHURS REUTERS/Umit Bektas 

Uighur refugees have their lunch in a gated complex where they are housed in the central city of Kayseri, Turkey, February 11, 2015. Thousands of members of China's Turkic language-speaking Muslim ethnic minority have reached Turkey, mostly since last year, infuriating Beijing, which accuses Ankara of helping its citizens flee unlawfully. Turkish officials deny playing any direct role in assisting the flight. Picture taken February 11, 2015. To match Insight TURKEY-CHINA/UIGHURS REUTERS/Umit Bektas 

Uighur refugee women walk where they are housed in a gated complex in the central city of Kayseri, Turkey, February 11, 2015. Thousands of members of China's Turkic language-speaking Muslim ethnic minority have reached Turkey, mostly since last year, infuriating Beijing, which accuses Ankara of helping its citizens flee unlawfully. Turkish officials deny playing any direct role in assisting the flight. Picture taken February 11, 2015. To match Insight TURKEY-CHINA/UIGHURS REUTERS/Umit Bektas 

People ski at Mount Erciyes near the central Anatolian city of Kayseri February 13, 2015. President Tayyip Erdogan's tirades against the central bank may be stoking turmoil in Turkish financial markets, but they are winning praise from a class of industrialists who have thrived over the past decade and see him as a pillar of their success. Picture taken February 13, 2015. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS) 

People walk past shops at a bazaar in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri February 13, 2015. President Tayyip Erdogan's tirades against the central bank may be stoking turmoil in Turkish financial markets, but they are winning praise from a class of industrialists who have thrived over the past decade and see him as a pillar of their success. Picture taken February 13, 2015. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS) 

People walk past shops at a bazaar in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri February 13, 2015. President Tayyip Erdogan's tirades against the central bank may be stoking turmoil in Turkish financial markets, but they are winning praise from a class of industrialists who have thrived over the past decade and see him as a pillar of their success. Picture taken February 13, 2015. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS) 

People ski at Mount Erciyes near the central Anatolian city of Kayseri February 13, 2015. President Tayyip Erdogan's tirades against the central bank may be stoking turmoil in Turkish financial markets, but they are winning praise from a class of industrialists who have thrived over the past decade and see him as a pillar of their success. Picture taken February 13, 2015. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

A worker checks cable drums at a factory in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri February 12, 2015. President Tayyip Erdogan's tirades against the central bank may be stoking turmoil in Turkish financial markets, but they are winning praise from a class of industrialists who have thrived over the past decade and see him as a pillar of their success. Picture taken February 12, 2015. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS) 

A worker checks copper cables being produced at a factory in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri February 12, 2015. President Tayyip Erdogan's tirades against the central bank may be stoking turmoil in Turkish financial markets, but they are winning praise from a class of industrialists who have thrived over the past decade and see him as a pillar of their success. Picture taken February 12, 2015. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS) 

A worker checks the settings of a machine at a factory in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri February 12, 2015. President Tayyip Erdogan's tirades against the central bank may be stoking turmoil in Turkish financial markets, but they are winning praise from a class of industrialists who have thrived over the past decade and see him as a pillar of their success. Picture taken February 12, 2015. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS) 

A worker controls the production process at a factory in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri February 12, 2015. President Tayyip Erdogan's tirades against the central bank may be stoking turmoil in Turkish financial markets, but they are winning praise from a class of industrialists who have thrived over the past decade and see him as a pillar of their success. Picture taken February 12, 2015. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS) 

A worker checks cable drums at a factory in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri February 12, 2015. President Tayyip Erdogan's tirades against the central bank may be stoking turmoil in Turkish financial markets, but they are winning praise from a class of industrialists who have thrived over the past decade and see him as a pillar of their success. Picture taken February 12, 2015. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

A protester throws a tear gas canister back at riot police during a protest in Kadikoy district, on the Asian side of Istanbul late January 21, 2015. Two Turkish policemen were jailed for ten years on Wednesday for their part in beating a student to death during anti-government protests that Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan described at the time as a coup attempt, media reports said. Police used tear gas after the sentences were announced to disperse protesters outside the courthouse in the central Turkish town of Kayseri, broadcaster CNN Turk said. Left wing groups held demonstrations in several cities around the country to protest against the court's decision. REUTERS/Yagiz Karahan (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST CRIME LAW TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Protesters set off firecrackers in front of riot police during a protest in Kadikoy district, in the Asian side of Istanbul late January 21, 2015. Two Turkish policemen were jailed for ten years on Wednesday for their part in beating a student to death during anti-government protests that Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan described at the time as a coup attempt, media reports said. Police used tear gas after the sentences were announced to disperse protesters outside the courthouse in the central Turkish town of Kayseri, broadcaster CNN Turk said. Left wing groups held demonstrations in several cities around the country to protest against the court's decision. REUTERS/Yagiz Karahan (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST CRIME LAW) 

People run away as a building is toppled during a controlled demolition as part of an urban transformation in Ankara February 3, 2014. According to local media, search and rescue teams found the dead body of a person, believed to be disabled and living near the site of the demolished building, under the debris. REUTERS/Serap Doganyigit (TURKEY - Tags: BUSINESS CONSTRUCTION SOCIETY) 

Protesters shout slogans as they demonstrate in front of a court house, during the start of a trial for defendants accused of killing protester Ali Ismail Korkmaz, in Kayseri February 3, 2014. Korkmaz was killed during anti-government protests in the northwestern city of Eskisehir over the summer. The banner reads, "In the name of Ali Ismail, in the name of justice." REUTERS/Stringer (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST CRIME LAW) 

Protesters hold a banner with a portrait of protester Ali Ismail Korkmaz painted on it as they protest in front of a court house, during the start of a trial for defendants accused of killing Korkmaz, in Kayseri February 3, 2014. Korkmaz was killed during anti-government protests in the northwestern city of Eskisehir over the summer. The banner reads, "In the name of Ali Ismail, in the name of justice." REUTERS/Stringer (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST CRIME LAW) 

Protesters shout slogans and wave flags as they protest in front of a court house, during the start of a trial for defendants accused of killing protester Ali Ismail Korkmaz, in Kayseri February 3, 2014. Korkmaz was killed during anti-government protests in the northwestern city of Eskisehir over the summer. REUTERS/Stringer (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST CRIME LAW) 

Iraq fans celebrate on the streets in Baghdad, July 7, 2013, after their Under-20 football team beat South Korea in their World Cup quarter-final match at the Kadir Has Stadium in Kayseri in Turkey. REUTERS/Thaier al-Sudani (IRAQ - Tags: SPORT SOCCER) 

Iraq fans celebrate on the streets in Baghdad, July 7, 2013, after their Under-20 football team beat South Korea in their World Cup quarter-final match at the Kadir Has Stadium in Kayseri in Turkey. REUTERS/Thaier al-Sudani (IRAQ - Tags: SPORT SOCCER) 

Iraq fans celebrate on the streets in Baghdad, July 7, 2013, after their Under-20 football team beat South Korea in their World Cup quarter-final match at the Kadir Has Stadium in Kayseri in Turkey. REUTERS/Thaier al-Sudani (IRAQ - Tags: SPORT SOCCER) ) 

Iraq fans celebrate on the streets in Baghdad, July 7, 2013, after their Under-20 football team beat South Korea in their World Cup quarter-final match at the Kadir Has Stadium in Kayseri in Turkey. REUTERS/Thaier al-Sudani (IRAQ - Tags: SPORT SOCCER) ) 

Iraq fans celebrate on the streets in Baghdad, July 7, 2013, After their Under-20 football team beat South Korea in their World Cup quarter-final match at the Kadir Has Stadium in Kayseri in Turkey. REUTERS/Thaier al-Sudani (IRAQ - Tags: SPORT SOCCER) )