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    ETHNIC PEOPLES IN CHINA: THE UYGHURS

    Written by: Shi Xiaoqi
    Posted on: May 23, 2020 | | 中文

    The Uyghur nationality has a population of over 8 million people in China. The majority of them live in compact communities in the areas to the south of the Tianshan Mountains, such as Kashgar, Hotan, and Aksu, while the rest inhabit the Ili prefecture and other places in the northern part of the province of Xinjiang, China.

    The Uyghurs’ ancestors can be traced back to the third century. In ancient Chinese archives, translations of the name “Uyghur” vary from period to period. As of now, there are at least five known names for the same community within this same demographic: Wuhu, Yuanhe, Weihe, Huihe, and Uyghur. In 1935, the term “Uyghur” was authorized as the official translation for these people, and this is the name that continues to be used today.

    The Uyghurs are largely Muslim, which has been their dominant religion since the tenth century. They have their own unique written and spoken language, which belongs to the Turkic group of the Altaic Language Family, similar to East Asian and Central Asian languages. The Uyghurs have also created and developed their own culture, which has been well-documented throughout history. They have produced classical epics and great academic works, such as The Dictionary of Turkic Language, which preserves the history and development of their language.

    Uyghur men usually wear a long gown, known as “qapan”, with a tilted front and waistband but no buttons. Women like wearing broad-sleeved dresses and young girls arrange their hair into many small braids. The Uyghur people, both old and young, men and women alike, are fond of wearing the typical four or five angled embroidered hat. These Uyghur hats, known as “dopa”, are exquisite handicrafts with bright colors and various designs. Their styles vary, based on different districts, the gender of the wearer, and the wearer’s profession. Other popular Uyghur handicrafts are Etles satin for women’s dresses and the Yengisar knives used by men.

    As for diet, Nang and Laman (pulled noodles) are daily staples for the Uyghurs. Polo, a special Xinjiang cuisine consisting of rice cooked with fresh mutton, carrots, onions, and shish kebab (kawap), is typically served at festivals or on special occasions. The kawap is a particularly well-known snack in the area but is enjoyed by people all over the country.

    The traditional Uyghur dwelling is typically a flat-roofed building, with a small window and a fenced porch on the outside; and a fireplace and niche inside. The fireplace is for cooking food and heating the home while the niche is used for storage. Both the inside and outside are decorated with brightly colored material and grained ornaments.

    The two most important Uyghur festivals are the Eid-ul-Fitr (which is celebrated at the end of the month of Ramadan) and the Eid-ul-Azha or the Corban (Sacrifice) Festival, which is observed in the month of the Hajj.

    The Uyghurs have long been known as “a nationality of song and dance”, and partake in lively celebrations. Sanem is the most popular folk dance, in which one or two people dance together while others sit in a circle, clapping and beating drums. The classical folk music, Twelve Muqam, is one of the treasures of Chinese arts, with 12 sets, 170 varieties of tunes, and 72 songs. There is also the “Meshrep,” an informal gathering which combines song, dance, poetry, and debate.

    With their unique history and culture, the Uyghurs add dynamism and beauty to China’s family of ethnicities.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021