Kashgan/Kashi
Kashgar, an oasis city, is located in the Xinjiang Province in the far western region of China. The city of Kashgar lies in the Taklamakan Desert which translates into "you go in, you wont come out," or "the desert of death." Bordering Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Kashgar is surrounded by sand and mountains. Despite its remote location, the desert oasis is a center of trade. Kashgar's geographic location was very strategic in its success in trade. Marco Polo described the city as a resupply station that prepared travelers for their long journey across the Taklamakan Desert or the Pamirs Mountains which translates into "the roof of the world."
To present day, Kashgar's economy still runs on trade and industry. The locals call their market the bazaar which translates into "market and trade place." It a common sight to see crowds of people gathered in the bazaar. The traditional bazaar opened only on Sunday but now the market is opened everyday. During his stay, Marco Polo described Uyghur people as "cheap, efficient people who were hard to do business with." The Uyghur people are known for their craftsmanship.
Common Trading Items
Religion and Customs
The Uyghur people believe in the Islamic religion and thus, their religion heavily influenced the Uyghur's food, clothes, housing, etiquette, weddings, and funerals.
Because of their Islamic beliefs, the Uyghur people are heavily oppressed by the Chinese government who fears the expansion of Islamic beliefs into China. Protests, riots, and violence exists in this region due to the growing tensions. In addition, the Chinese government recently demolished old architecture that obliterated aspects of Kashgar's history.
Because of their Islamic beliefs, the Uyghur people are heavily oppressed by the Chinese government who fears the expansion of Islamic beliefs into China. Protests, riots, and violence exists in this region due to the growing tensions. In addition, the Chinese government recently demolished old architecture that obliterated aspects of Kashgar's history.
Most Popular Dishes
"The Country of Dances and Songs"
Kashgar was called "The Country of Dances and Songs." There is an old Kashgan saying that the Uyghur people learned how to sing and dance before they learned how to walk.A thousand years ago, Kashgar songs and dances were presented in the central plains and was famous during the Sui-Tang Dynasty. Now, Kashgan dances and songs are more popular and unique and it is deeply embedded into Chinese music, dance, and arts.