Nury Turkel has distinguished himself as a preeminent attorney, author, and advocate, with a particular focus on U.S.-China relations and the defense of human rights. Over the years, his profound impact across legal, governmental, and advocacy spheres has established him as a crucial voice in these critical areas.
Turkel's pioneering accomplishments include being the first Uyghur to graduate as an attorney in the United States. He is also a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and he holds significant positions such as Senior Advisor at the Krach Institute of Tech Diplomacy and as a member of the Advisory Board for the Notre Dame Law School Religious Liberty Initiative.
As a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, Turkel engages with issues at the heart of national security, foreign policy, and the implications of emerging technologies on civil liberties. His work has been published in respected outlets like the Wall Street Journal and Foreign Affairs, and he is frequently featured on international media platforms such as BBC and NPR.
His advocacy and leadership were globally recognized when TIME included him in its "100 Most Influential People in the World of 2020." He was named among Fortune Magazine's 50 Greatest Leaders the following year and received the Notre Dame Prize for Religious Liberty. His continuous efforts to promote human rights were further acknowledged in 2022 with the Global Soul Award from Jewish World Watch.
A dynamic public speaker, Turkel is regularly invited to address global audiences. He utilizes his fluency in English, Chinese, Turkish, and various Central Asian languages to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries.
His seminal publication, "No Escape," uncovers the severe oppression of the Uyghurs in China, documenting extensive human rights abuses. This book earned him the "2023 Moore Prize for Human Rights Writing," highlighting his dedication to illuminating critical human rights issues.
As Ericsson's Compliance Officer and Counsel, Nury Turkel spearheads initiatives focused on global compliance and ethics, particularly emphasizing adherence to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.
Earlier in his career, Turkel gained valuable experience in aviation law at Kristen & Young and managed his legal practice, addressing a wide range of trade, human rights, and immigration issues.
Previously, as the chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Turkel advocated for the rights and recognition of persecuted groups worldwide.
Turkel lives in the United States with his wife, Nazli. They share interests in reading, classical music, and exploring different cultures through travel, deepening their appreciation of global diversity and human rights.