About Tibet |
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Ten facts about Tibet
Tibet was an ancient country, the size of western Europe when it was invaded by the People’s Liberation Army. A place with a unique culture, history and identity, Tibet has been changed dramatically by the Chinese invasion. This has not only claimed many lives and cost its people the freedom to practice their culture, religion and language as they wish, but has also seen a calculated process put into place by which Tibetan culture is gradually and finally eradicated. Read the 10 facts.
To find out what makes Tibet so unique and why it is so important to campaign for Tibetan culture and human rights, please read on.
Historical relations between Tibet and China
There is no doubt that the histories of Tibet and China have often been intertwined, including periods of Tibetan rule in China. However, there is no justification for the claim that Tibet has always been part of China and was simply brought back into the fold by the 1950 invasion.
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These 2008 BBC articles take the Tibet issue from both perspectives:
Click here for the Tibetan view
Click here for the Chinese view
Key dates
From the year 602, when Namri Songtsen, lord of Yarlung, became the first king of Tibet, through to 2008 when Chinese authorities cracked down on Tibetans demonstrating about Beijing hosting the Olympic Games; here are the key dates in Tibetan history.
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Travel to Tibet
There is no simple answer regarding the ethics of travelling to Tibet. Ultimately,it is up to the individual traveller. Free Tibet would strongly advise you to go, but if you would rather not, then consider visiting the Tibetan areas of India, such as Dharamsala or Ladakh. For more information about the pros and cons, read our alternative travel guide.
Read our alternative travel guide here.
Legal status of Tibet
Whether Tibet has always been an integral part of China is an important legal question. If Tibet is under unlawful Chinese occupation, the large-scale transfer of Chinese settlers is a serious violation of the fourth Geneva Convention, making China's illegal presence in the country a legitimate object of international concern.
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Tibetan culture
FreeTibet reproduces with permission this excellent paper by Professor Robert Thurman, which explores the substantial differences between the Tibetan and Chinese civilisations. It is essential reading for anyone challenging claims that Tibet has always been part of China.
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Learn more
For those who would like to learn more about Tibet, we offer some suggestions of books on history, politics, culture, travel, and biography.
