What was Kashgar known for?

The historical importance of Kashgar has primarily been linked to its significance as a trading centre. Located at the foot of the Pamirs Mountains between a vast desert and immense mountain range, Kashgar was once an isolated oasis on the long trade route across the Asian continent.

Who are Uyghurs related to?

With a population size of >10 million, the Uyghur people used to be one of the most influential ethnic groups in Xinjiang. They are believed to be descendants of the most ancient Turkic tribes with mixed Caucasian and East Asian ancestries (Balfour 1985).

How many Uyghurs are imprisoned?

1.8 million people
As of 2020, it was estimated that Chinese authorities may have detained up to 1.8 million people, mostly Uyghurs but also including Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and other ethnic Turkic Muslims, Christians, as well as some foreign citizens including Kazakhstanis, in these secretive internment camps located throughout the region.

How old is Kashgar?

The old city has a history of over 2,000 years. It is said that Banchao, the Eastern Han dynasty’s envoy to the Western Region, once stayed here on a journey. During the Kalahan dynasty, there was a summer palace here. The word Kashgar means “place where jade gathers”.

What happened to Kashgar?

Most of the Old City has been rebuilt with wider streets, more modern architecture and plenty of concrete. There’s little resemblance to the pre-demolished Kashgar, but it’s surprisingly charming. Local Uyghur people have moved back in and there are children playing in the streets.

Are Uyghurs Caucasian?

Originally a group of hill tribes from the Altai Mountains, the Uyghurs have their own distinctive culture and a Turkic language. Scientists say that genetically, Uyghurs are an admixture of Caucasian and East Asian blood. They say this is the reason many retain light-colored skin and hair.

What is Kashgar known for?

Kashgar. The oasis also produces fruit and is known for its melons, grapes, peaches, apricots, and cherries. There is some fishing in the rivers of the oasis. The oasis peoples engage in a variety of handicrafts; both cotton and silk textiles are produced, together with felts, rugs, furs, leatherware, and pottery.

Where can I find media related to Kashgar?

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kashgar. Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Kashgar. T. Digby, Nests of the Great Game spies Shanghai Star, 9 May 2002. 1 Tacheng and Altay are prefectures within and under the administration of the Ili Prefecture. Pop. Pop. * Indicates this city has already occurred above.

What is the ethnic makeup of Kashgar?

Kashgar is predominantly populated by Muslim Uyghurs. Compared to Ürümqi, Xinjiang ‘s capital and largest city, Kashgar is less industrial and has significantly fewer Han Chinese residents. In 1998, the urban population of Kashgar was recorded as 311,141, with 81% Uyghurs, and 18% Han Chinese. In the 2000 census,…

What to buy and sell in Kashgar?

Kashgar’s livestock market is also very lively. Silk and carpets made in Hotan are sold at bazaars, as well as local crafts, such as copper teapots and wooden jewellery boxes. In order to boost the economy in Kashgar region, the government classified the area as the sixth Special Economic Zone of China in 2010.