Who Are The Uyghurs? History Of China's Unwanted Muslims (552-1884)

Summary

This video explores the rich and complex history of the Uyghurs, an ethnic group in northwestern China. Tracing their origins from Mongolia in the 7th century, the narrative details their rise to power with the establishment of the Uyghur Khaganate and their subsequent cultural and religious transformations. The impact of neighboring empires, the conversion to Islam, and the eventual dominance of the Mongols and Qing Dynasty are discussed, highlighting the significant demographic changes and the Uyghurs' ongoing struggles for identity and autonomy. The history concludes with a nod to modern challenges faced by the Uyghur community.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Uyghurs are an ethnic group primarily residing in Xinjiang province, China, with a history spanning over a thousand years.
• 🌍 They lived in Mongolia under the Gokturk Empire in the 7th century before establishing their own Khaganate.
• ⚔️ In 744, the Uyghurs allied with other tribes to overthrow the Gokturks and formed the Uyghur Khaganate with its capital at Ordu Balik.
• 📜 The early history of the Uyghurs is poorly documented, making it challenging for historians to trace their lineage with certainty.
• 🔄 The Uyghur Khaganate expanded southward and established cordial relations with the Tang Dynasty, often receiving tribute.
• ☸️ A significant cultural shift occurred in the 8th century when the Uyghurs converted to Manichaeism, influenced by the Sogdians.
• 🏔️ The Uyghurs migrated southward into the Tarim Basin after the fall of their Khaganate in 840, leading to cultural diversification.
• 📚 By the 15th century, the Tarim Basin had become predominantly Muslim, influenced by the Chagatai Khanate's conversion.
• 🗣️ Modern Uyghur language descends from Chagatai, contrasting with the Yellow Uyghurs, who retain a direct connection to Old Uyghur.
• 🛡️ The region underwent demographic changes due to the Qing dynasty's conquest and the genocide of the Zungars, leading to the Uyghurs gaining prominence.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of the Uyghurs in China?

The Uyghurs are an ethnic group that has called northwestern China their home for over a thousand years. Their history includes the establishment of the Uyghur Khaganate in the 8th century and their interactions with significant empires such as the Tang Dynasty and the Mongol Empire.

What was the role of the Gok Turks in Uyghur history?

The Gok Turks controlled the Uyghurs in Mongolia during the 7th century. The Uyghurs eventually allied with other tribes to overthrow the Gok Turks and establish the Uyghur Khaganate.

How did the Uyghurs' religious beliefs evolve over time?

Initially, the Uyghurs practiced Buddhism and Tengerism. In the mid-8th century, they converted to Manichaeism, influenced by the Sogdians. Later, they encountered Islam, leading to a gradual Islamification, particularly in the 15th century.

What was the impact of the Mongol Empire on the Uyghurs?

The Uyghurs enjoyed favor under the Mongols, and the Kingdom of Kocho became a vassal state to the Mongol Empire. The region saw significant cultural and demographic changes during and after Mongol rule.

What changes occurred in the Xinjiang region after the Qing Dynasty took control?

The Qing Dynasty conquered the Zunghars in 1755, leading to a genocide that significantly altered the demographics of Xinjiang. The Uyghurs gained a semi-autonomous region under the rule of the Kumul Khanate until the early 20th century.

How did the Uyghurs of Xinjiang differ from the Yellow Uyghurs?

The Uyghurs living in Xinjiang have more Caucasian admixture and adopted Chagatai as their primary language, while the Yellow Uyghurs retained Tibetan Buddhist beliefs and look more East Asian phenotypically.

What was the significance of the Silk Road in Uyghur history?

The Silk Road was vital for trade and cultural exchange. The Uyghurs controlled key territories along the Silk Road, which facilitated their economic and cultural development.

What led to the fall of the Uyghur Khaganate?

The Uyghur Khaganate fell into chaos due to ecological factors and internal strife, culminating in its defeat by the Nsa Kyrgyz in 840, which forced the Uyghurs to migrate southward.

What were some of the languages spoken by the Uyghurs?

Modern Uyghur is descended from the Chagatai language, which became the lingua franca of the region, while the Yellow Uyghurs speak a language directly descended from Old Uyghur.

What does the term 'Xinjiang' mean, and how is it perceived by the Uyghurs?

Xinjiang means 'new frontier' in Chinese. Many Uyghurs dislike this name and prefer to call the region East Turkestan, reflecting their historical and cultural identity.