The Uygur Culture

The Uygur Culture

The Uygur ethnic minority, with a population of 8,399,393 according to the national census in 2000, lives mainly in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regions, especially to the south of Mt. Tianshan. They have their own language and alphabet which belongs to the Turkic group of the Altaic phylum. The name Uygur, which they also use to refer to themselves, means alliance or assistance.

They had believed in Shamanism, Manicheam, Jing, Zoroastrianism, and  Buddhism. Since the 11th century they have gradually turned to Islam. This has strongly influenced their way of life and most festivals celebrated today relate to this religion. The grand festivals celebrated include the Corban Festival, Kaizhai Festival, and Almsgiving Festival.

Corban Festival 

Corban is an important festival for Muslims. Corban Festival is also called Zaishengjie while the Hui people call it Zhongxiaojie (festival of faith and obedience). It comes 70 days after the Feast of the Fast Breaking, or the tenth day of the second month in the Islamic calendar. The festival bears the meaning that disciples will devote everything to show their obedience and faith to Allah.

In the festival, Muslims gather at major mosques and other public places and have grand ceremonies and celebrations. They prepare livestock beforehand, the livestock should be healthy camels, oxen or sheep, and the choice depends on one's financial condition. The meat will be separated into three parts. One part is for the family itself, one for relatives and friends and the rest part for charity.

Muslims in China's Xinjiang region call it festival EId (big festival). On the day, they dress up, kill livestock and invite relatives and friends to their homes and have various entertainments.

Celebrating Corban Festival

Kaizai Festival

According to Islam, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar is the fasting month of Ramadan. During this month, every Muslim must eat breakfast before sunrise, with no food or water allowed then until after sunset. After 29 or 30 days of fasting comes the traditional Kaizhai Festival on the first day of the tenth month on the Islamic calendar which lasts three days.

Mekka

On the first day, houses are cleaned in the early morning, and, after bathing, will go to mosques to prey toward Mekka (halidom of Islamism). No matter what kind of weather, a Muslims must perform this ritual. Visiting the graves of ancestors to mourn for them then follows. Traditional festival food is prepared along with rich and colorful activities such as the lion dance, wrestling etc.

Food and Food Culture

Zhufan

The Uygur people's staple food is Nang, noodles and Zhuafan. Nang is a kind of crisp baked pie, usually eaten with tea. Popular drinks include tea, milk tea and oil tea. Various fruits, mutton and beef are also typical favorites.

Nang

There are a number of important customs relating to appropriate behaviors of visitors. Eldest people sit in the most distinguished seat and guests are expected not to look around the house. Leaving a small amount of food in your bowl demonstrates impolite to your host.

Crafts

They are renowned for their abilities in processing gold, gem, silk and leather goods. Hetian is rich and proud of its fine jade which is regarded as a rare first-class gem. Whilst the Kuqa 
County is known for its production of delicate knives.

Knives

Traditional Dance

The Uygur dances, such as the "Bowls-on-Head Dance," "Drum Dance," "Iron Ring Dance" and "Puta Dance," feature light, graceful and quick-swinging choreography movements. The "Sainaim Dance" is the most popular, while the "Duolang Dance," sometimes referred to as a flower of Uygur folk culture, brims over with vitality. It depicts the hunting activities of the ancient people of Markit. The movements portray strength, wildness and enthusiasm. The "Nazilkum," popular in Turpan, Shanshan and Hami, fully reflects the Uygurs' optimism and gift for humor.

Sainaim Dance

Bowls-on-Head Dance

Clothes

Embroidered Caps

They like to wear cotton clothes. Typically men wear gowns while women prefer to wear one-piece dresses. Many decorations such as ear rings, bracelets, and necklace and so on are women's favorite. Vibrantly colored and embroidered caps are an important component of their dress.