Uyghur Muslims
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The Uyghurs have traditionally inhabited a series of oases scattered across the Taklamakan Desert within the Tarim Basin. These oases have historically existed as independent states or were controlled by many civilizations including China, the Mongols, the Tibetans and various Turkic polities. The Uyghurs gradually started to become Islamized in the 10th century, and most Uyghurs identified as Muslims by the 16th century. Islam has since played an important role in Uyghur culture and identity. Uyghur Muslim are a Turkic ethnic group originating from and culturally affiliated with the general region of Central and East Asia, their closest linguistic cousins are the Uzbeks. The Uyghurs are recognized by the Chinese government as a regional minority and the titular people of Xinjiang.[1]
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See also[change | change source]
- Islam in China
- Balti people, Muslims of Tibetan ancestry that live in Baltistan, Pakistan
- Purigpa, Muslims of Tibetan ancestry that live in Ladakh, Upper Indus Valley
- Turkic peoples
- Religion in Xinjiang
References[change | change source]
- ↑ "The mystery of China's celtic mummies". The Independent. London. 28 August 2006. Archived from the original on 3 April 2008. Retrieved 28 June 2008.
