If you’re even the slightest bit interested in Xinjiang’s history or the plight of the Uyghurs, this book is a must-read. Although many readers might be scared off by its incredibly detailed research and lengthy annotation section, Tyler’s work reads more like a novel than a history book. Warlords, concubines, explorers and…

Aside from their food, the most distinctive cultural symbol for the Uyghurs here in Xinjiang is their traditional dance. For many years now Uyghur dance troupes have traveled all over the world showing off three very important parts of their heritage: costume, music, and movement. On their own each of these display a beauty unique to the Uyghur people while together it creates an absolutely fascinating display of local customs.

This cemetery, located in the north western portion of Kashgar, is one of the biggest Uyghur cemeteries in Xinjiang. Up until recently people were still being buried in these mud and brick built graves beside the Abah Khojah Mausoleum. The markings on these graves are not as ornate as those on a Chinese grave but the designs are much more unique and visually pleasing.

A week and a half ago a family of three Xinjiang Uyghurs – a mom, dad, and son – set themselves on fire in Beijing as an act of protest over a housing dispute.  At the time of the actual event, much speculation made its way around the internet as to the reason for this self-immolation but very few actual facts were known. Now, a week later, the details emerge.

I’ve learned to appreciate archived photos of Xinjiang, being able to look at the different ways this place has both changed as well as remained stuck in the past. This beautiful photo is actually part of a collection of slides (Kodachrome) and B/W shots (just recently scanned) taken during Ricky’s trip to Kashgar in 1984…

Dancing is a Uyghur tradition like none other.  No celebration, either religious or otherwise, takes place without a bit of loud music and a dance floor.  It really is a treat for the eyes even if your ears are collateral damage and I’ve taken the liberty of catching some of it on film for you.

Whether you’re a Muslim visiting a mosque in the early morning, killing a sheep in the late morning, and visiting family and friends in the afternoon or just a bystander observing all these traditions, you’re probably tired. I am, that’s for sure.

There are two major groups in the world today who still use the lunar calendar – the Chinese and the Muslims – and both of them represent a majority of Xinjiang’s population.

A Xinjiang story involving a pregnant Uyghur woman has made its rounds through the international news community recently. The reason it garnered such attention was because…

Any traveler who has made their way around different parts of this country can tell you that although China is by no means boring, it is not well-known as a very ethnically diverse land. Once you cross the border into Xinjiang though, it doesn’t take a detective to see that things are very different here.