Uyghur survival/globalization of uighur territory
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Historically Uyghurs have either been nomadic pastoralists, horticulturalists, craftsmen. All of these elements in their culture would be sold in the bazaars along the Silk Road. Today, most Uyghurs means of living are remarkably similar to those of the past. Although, one will not see as many nomadic Uyghurs, they are in existence in the more rural areas of the Uyghur Xinjiang Autonomous Region. Many members of the Uyghur culture have mastered handcrafted trades that have been passed down from generation to generation. These trades include such things as paper making, bowl making, basket making, knife crafting & rug/fabric production. Typically when someone in a family possesses a skill, they will then teach their family members how to produce the goods as well. These craftsmen with then setup a shop either in their own home or in the local bazaar. Typically, these businesses are a full family effort. The further west one ventures into Uyghur territory, the more culturally traditional life becomes.
In Uyghur villages, horticulture and pastoralism is still very popular...
A Uyghur families garden
Many families will keep a goat in their family especially if they have children, this animal would be strictly for harvesting dairy. In addition to this most families will have a small garden in the back of their house to provide fruits and vegetables for their families.
In the past almost all of the Xinjiang provence of China was primarily Uyghur territory. Now the Han Chinese are becoming more and more present in these areas (moving east to west). Because of this, almost any modern influence that does not directly pertain to Uyghur culture has been brought by the Han. This is causing major tension between the two groups not only because the Uyghurs are feeling pressure from the PRC to assimilate to Han ways, but because their culture is being diluted. In cities such as Urumqi (Xinjiang's capital) where many Han have integrated, Uyghurs must learn the Mandarin language to even be considered competitive in the job market. In this area especially, Uyghurs seem to have been faced with a choice of assimilating to Han culture or setting themselves up for serious disadvantages. The PRC's attempts to combine the two cultures that have always been separated, is creating a China that can be described as "Dualistic, yet forcefully unified."
In the past almost all of the Xinjiang provence of China was primarily Uyghur territory. Now the Han Chinese are becoming more and more present in these areas (moving east to west). Because of this, almost any modern influence that does not directly pertain to Uyghur culture has been brought by the Han. This is causing major tension between the two groups not only because the Uyghurs are feeling pressure from the PRC to assimilate to Han ways, but because their culture is being diluted. In cities such as Urumqi (Xinjiang's capital) where many Han have integrated, Uyghurs must learn the Mandarin language to even be considered competitive in the job market. In this area especially, Uyghurs seem to have been faced with a choice of assimilating to Han culture or setting themselves up for serious disadvantages. The PRC's attempts to combine the two cultures that have always been separated, is creating a China that can be described as "Dualistic, yet forcefully unified."
Ancient City of Kashgar
Traditional Uyghur Sunday Market: Hotan, China
Every Sunday in the Uyghur community people gather in the town markets to sell and purchase various goods. Typically, most of the community would be present for this weekly event. Although its main purpose is to act as a facilitator for business, the market also serves as a time for all the members of the community to be social with one another.
Migration, labour and the rise of ethno-religious consciousness among Uyghurs in urban XinjiangJournal of Sociology 1–15
By: Reza Hasmath University of Melbourne
By: Reza Hasmath University of Melbourne