THE UIGHUR RACE OF SINKIANG

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00047R000200130002-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 14, 2013
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: November 4, 1952
• Content Type: REPORT

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E iATEPN
CENTRAL I\ERcp
?
INFORMATION REPORT
COUNTRY China (Sinkiang Province)
SUBJECT
The Uighur Race of Sinkiang
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE
OF THE UNITED STATES, WITHIN THE MEANINS OF TITLE IS, SECTIONS 793
AND 794, OF THE U.S. CODE, AS AMENDED. ITS TRANSMISSION OP HAVE.
CATION OF ITS CONTENTS TO OR RECEIPT BY AN UNALITNORIFFO PERSON IS
PROHIBITED BY LAW. THE REPRODUCTION OF THIS FORM IS PROHIBITED.
CD NO.
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DATE DISTR. g Nov 52
NO OF PAGES 6
NO. OF ENCLS.
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SUPPLEMENT TO
REPORT NO.
THIS IS UNEV
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1. Liarialeag,: The Uighur race of Sinkiang is also referred to, both in Sinkiang and
in English-language texts on that province, as Uigur? Wei-wu-erh, Hui-hui, Chan Hui
(Turbaned Moslems), Chlan-tiou (Turban Heads), Chant?, Moslem, Sart and Turki. According
to a 1941 survey they numbered 2,9002173, or a little less than 80% of the total papu-
lation of Sinkiang. Because the Uighurs are the predominant race of Sinkiang they have,
in the past, been referred to by the name of the oases that they resided in, such as
Turfanliks, Kashsarliks, Qomuliks, etc.
2. Historically, the name Uighur first appeared in records of the
Tlang Dynasty (618-9u7 A D) as the name of a tribal confederation of pastoral nomads
living along the Selenga River, in what is now the northern part of the Mongolian
People's Republic. Prior to 1934 when Governor Sheng Shih-tsai revived the use of
this name in Sinkiang, the Uighurs were referred to only by the name of the particular
oasis that they inhabited.
3. ALItimz_ilt_tkags The Uighurs are a highly civilized race that inhabited Ce-tral Asia
over a thousand years ago. In 840 the Uighur power in Mongolia was destroyed by the
Kirghiz. The Uighur warriors were subsequently forced to withdraw to the southwest,
where they took over the oases north of the Tien Shan range. They later infiltrated, in
large numbers, into the oases south of the mountains and made themselves rulers of the
indigenous population. The people among whom the Uighurs settled absorbed them, but
adopted their name and tongue. These people then enjoyed several flourishing civili-
zations and are considered to be the only original inhabitants of Sinkiang. The
period of Uighur domination was brought to an end in the twelfth century by the invasion
of the Khara Khitai? who were in turn overthrown by Genghis Khan, The Mongol Khans
continued to rule over this area until 1566, when the local Hodjas 'Uighur prelates)
took over complete control. Their influence continued to some extent even after the
invasion of the Jungar Mongols in 1650 and the replacement of Jungar rule by the
Manchus in 1756. The Sinkiang Uighurs of today are considered to be of Iranian-Turkic
origin and closely related to the ancient Uighur race.
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4. gj In the process of amalgamating with the indigenous population of Sinkiang,
the Uighurs were able to impose their own language on the other people. Their
present-dey language is uniform except for minor differences of dialect. It is
the Uighur dialect of the Turkic language and falls into the Altaic group of the
linguistic families. Uighur is written with the Arabic script, which is no more suited
to it than it is to other Turkic languages. Those Uighurs who can only read the
language are called Vora, the fully literate take the title of Ahun.
5. Healgiam, The Uighurs, prior to their withdrawal to the Tarim Basin of Sinkiang,
had already felt the influence of Manichaeism through traders. After their contact
with the inhabitants of Sinkiang, many Uighurs were converted to Buddhism. Both
groups were also influenced at an early period by Nestorian Christianity. In the
eighth century, when both Tibetan and Arab attacks forced the Chinese armies of
Kao Hsien-chih to fall back in retreat from Sinkiang, the Uighurs turned to Islam.
Although they were first converted in the etghth century, Buddhism was not completely
driven out of Sinkiang until the sixteenth century. The Uighurs of Sinkiang belong
to the Sunni sect and perhaps are not as strict as some other Mohammedans in their
observance of the principles of the Koran, but they do have great reverence for the
many Islamic rites and ob?ervances.
In the hundred and fourteen chapters of the Koran they find instruction in every
question of conduct. This sacred book is the unaltered code of their life. The
most important positions in the Moslem Church are held by religious leaders who
have inherited their posts from a long line of ancestors and most of whom are
related to the large landowners and officials who dominate Uighur society. Not
surprisingly, therefore, the upper strata of Bighnr soblety include the most ardent
supporters of Islame Their year has twelve months, thbir week seven days. "Mosque
Day" is on Friday and is very strictly observed in Sinkiang. Five prayers are
prescribed .for each (ley, before sunrise being the most Important. It is a
mistake to think that these devotions are a formal mumbling of set words; no less
than seven stages are set out for the worshipper. First, mental preparation;
thene the raising of the heads; next, the rising to the feet; then, the reading
of the Koran;, next, boiling; sixth?the deep obeisance; seventh, the retiring from
prayers This ritual should, be performed by all, irrespective of age or sex. Not
all believera,keep ail five occasions of prayer, but they are far ,more eevout
than the average churchgoer of the West. Their fasts are observed with great
strictness, For ohe whole month, in every twelve, no food may pass their lips
during the daytime. Only in cases of extreme urgency may the fast be broken, in
which event compensation is exacted by the "Ahua", day for day. The Abair, is the
local priest. If the fast is broken without cause the penalty is to fast for two
months and this is strictly enforced. When the fast is ended evergone puts on
his finest clothes and for seven days a feast is observed. Seven days later comes
the "Day of Butchery", on which solemn acts of worship mark the eloee of the year.
It is the wish of ev.?ry good Moslem once in his lifetime to make the pilEriraage
to Mecca. The journee from Sinkiang entails great hardship, maw peen'. thirst
in the deserts, er leeene in the mountains. None mourn for them, however, noe
to die thus is considered a supreme honor. Those who return are honored bi th
name "Hedli" and all ehce them great respect.
TIYAUA4-14hUstagt.i.heg In appearance the Uighers are a handsome peoule with jet
wavy halr; dark, deeo-eet eyes; high bridged, thin prominent nose; iigh- skin and
thick facial and body hair. They are relatively tall and bearded. Sofa :'i'gh,21rs
bear mongoloid facial, characteristics while others, if dressed in Occid.Ittli
fashion, would, be aceeoted as Europeans without question. Physically, the present
Uighur population of Sinkiang is more akin to the Alpine than the Miengoeoie type.
The women are exceptionally beautiful, with long eyelashes inclined upwares.
7. Lthuah The Uighur ren used to be distinguished he their white turbans ehtch
resulted in their being called Chtan-tiou (Turban Heads) by the Chinese, [his
custom, however, is rapidly dying out in the cities and now it is mostlf the Ahuns
who wear the turbans, lhe Uighur'man of today is identified by his fttslupan"v
which is a long coat, padded with cotton and then quilted. This briztt-ocAored
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garment has long sleeves which are pulled down over the hands in place of gloves
and is tied about the waist with a kerchief. Beneath the tshupan the Uighur man
wears pantaloons, usually reaching down to within about six inches of his Xeet,
which are encased in leather boots with detachable slippers. These boots, which
are worn by both the men and women are called "eitek" and come right up to the
knee. Both sexes wear tiny skull-caps on the hack of the head. These skull-caps
are called "tebiteika" or "arakchin" and are worn the year around. They are made
of common cotton cloth, or more frequently velvet. The tebiteika is either plain,
bealatifuliy embroidered with gold or silver metallic thread, trimmed with fur
around the edges, or in the case of women, topped with cheery pompoms. When
embroidered, the design is usually that of flowers. The ladies are often dressed
similarly, but in beautiful van-colored and gaily designed wraps which are worn
knee-length. These, as in the case of the men, hide the pantaloons which are tucked
under the boots. Face veils are worn under the tebiteika and often have fine lace
work and a delicately embroidered fringe. Not all bother with the convention of
the veil, some merely keep it thrown off the face and,trailing down the back. The
Uighur women who live south of the Tien Shan range adhere to this convention more
strictly than those who reside north of the mountains. All the Uighur clothing,
Including the tebiteika? tshepan, women's wraps, etc, are predominantly green and
red in color. For further color and adornment, the women use colored feathers,
ornate earrings and costly bracelets. In extreme hot weather, the men wear loose
white garments, girded with sashes and the women wear whiteerobes that look eery
much like nightgowns.
B. Concentratiogase Since the most important oases are in the Tarim Basin, the major
concentration of Uighurs is south of the Tien Shan ranger or in the administrative
regions of Khotan, Kaehgar, Aqsu and Hami. North of ,the mountains they are l'ew in
number and dispersed among other peoples. One reason for the greater mixture of
peoples in the north is that the Dzungarian Basin has historically .served as a
migration route. Its present population consists of relatively new immigrants.
2
9...pa,,Ujazat The Uighur population of Sinkiang live either in farmsteads scattered
in the fields or in houees ranged along the naerow streets of oasis cities and
towns. The houses usually consist of mud-brick apartments, like those of their
Chinese neighbors save that the roof does not project and has a slight slant,
grouped around open courtyards. The slight slant of the roof is hardly noticeable
and does not prevent the owner from walking upon it to take the air. Goods are
also stored upon the roof-tops, It is quite a common sight to see cocks and-
hens strolling among the piles of melons and the stacks of fuel, while dogs, often
stroll out on to the roof to bark at passers-by.
The living-room of the house usually has only one door, which faces north. A
"sky-window" is opened In the ceiling for ventilation. The stove is deg into the
wall and there is a chimney which projects high above the roof. The walls are
very thick and are hollowed out on all sides for purposes of storage. IJ Aost
homes the only piece of furniture is a low, email table on which food is
The floors are strewn with rugs, often of great value, on which people sit Ea
sleep. The rich man usually has a separate house for the reception of his guests
and both this and his 'own dwelling are situated in well-planted gardens to which
running water is plentifully supplied. During the hot months these gardens make
esuperb retreats. Waerever the Uighurs have gone they have taken their love of
trees with them. In Ufghur towns the streets are often lined with tall polars
and mat-covered trellises.
10. Eattine-,224J40 The Mall= people when compared to the other peoples of Sinkiang
fall into the category of "medium eaters". The two extremes are the Ruse:lame, who.
are considered to be the heaviest eaters, and the Chinese, who are comparatively
light eaters. The average Uighur diet consists of 504 cereal, 404 meat and 104
evegetables. The common man usually has only two meals a day. Often the vary
poor among them cannot afford meat and so live primarily upon wheat-cake, Ilep a"
(a Sinkiang form of noodle) and water. The favorite and most frequent meal of
the wealthier Uighurs is a rice dish which is called "pelov", in which mutton i3
minced with egg, flavored with salt, pepper and oils, and garnished with onions,
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raisins and carrots. Pelev is served on a huge flat dish from which all hetp
themselves with their hands. It is considered the piece de rd'sistance of Uighur
cookery and is served only to the most favored and distinguished guests. Other
favorite Uighur dishes are "aantu", which is a small meat dumpling; "shashlik",
which consists of pieces of lamb that have been soaked in vinegar and are roasted
on ,stakes with green peppers; all types of steaming soups; fresh salad greens and
local stile doughnuts. They only eat mutton and beef which is usually roasted.
It is only rarely that the meat is boiled or fried. Butter is a frequent ingredient
in their dishes and co are certain vegetable oils. They cannot endure the least
trace of lard and if, be chance, any is included in their food when they travel,
they immediately vomit. Their faith also prohibits them from eating the flesh of
tiger, eagle, pig, dog, serpent and crab. These animals are specifically mentioned
in the Koran as being of evil character. Further taboos extend to fermented liquor,
tobacco and there are special warnings against eating anything which is not perfectly
fresh. Their favorite drink is tea, which they always drink with sugar.
Like all the other inhabitants of Sinkiang, their way of doing honor to a guest
is to slaughter an animal of his choice and for his pleasure. Melons, mulberries,
plums, pears, grapes, pomegranates, peaches, apricota, raisins and preserved meats
are placed before a guest, who is free to take what he pleases. To refrain from
so doing is not polite, for hospitality among the Uighurs is best repaid by
enjoyment. At their feasts there is always music and those who do not join in
the singing always beat time with their hands. Despite the Korants prohibiticn,
wine is sometimes drunk at these feasts. It is made mostly from barley, but dates
and grapes are sometimes used in the fermentation. The resulting liquor is very
strong. Owing to their normal habits of abstinence they are not very good drinkers
and after the feasts there is usually aperiod of penitence.
11. klauaaLlaaaag Almost the whole Uighur population of Sinkiang depends unon agriculture
and subsidiary occupations. In the Aqsu, Kashgar and Khotan administrative
districts the Uighure not only engage in agriculture but also in the manufacture
of various handicrafts, the most famous being their Khotan rugs. A few Uighurs
are also merchants. One of the two exceptions is the Dulani tribe of Uighurs who
live by animal husbandry along the banks of the Yarkand and Tarim Rivers. A
still smaller tribe ef nonsedentary Uighurs are the Lopliks, who live in the
area of Lob Nor and lake their living by fishing.
12. Cuataaaa
a. Generag Uighur manners are dignified and in their daily life there is no
excessive ceremony, though simple forms of politeness are observed. A young
man meeting his elder crosses his hands over his chest; mutters "Salaam",
the greeting of good wishes and then strokes his beard with his hand. Women
greet each other by touching cheeks. Elders embrace their children and kiss
them in European stye.
The first important eeremoay in the life of a young Uighur comes at tier.
of four or five veers,. when the whole family assembles to celebrate his
circumcision.
The Uighur system of naming is quite complex. There are no surnames as we
understand them. Senior relatives are all spoken of as elder brothers,
while nephews and soneein-law are called younger brothers. More distant
relatives are eelled by their names. 'thus, on becoming acquainted with a
Uighur family, a stranger has a great difficulty in ascertaining the exact
relationship of each. Titles such as "Khan" (Prelate), "Hadji" (one who has
made the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca) and "3e7" (Capitaliat) follow the proper
name and become a permanent attachment to it. The endearing title of "Hodja"
(Pious Master) precedes the proper name.
b. lArriagato Uieher len usually marry before their eighteenth and the L Is
before their fifteent,h birthday-. The betrothal is pledged by a sire.'s father
'arc ecther an the caeeeonv is performed 117 the local Ahun. Th ari
?-remony is closed tz) outsiders and is very meaningful. There is artder-
-Tandrble geie, ol te cv-cssion, considerable piping, draining and other
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forms of mutic accompany the ceremony. The veiled bride is finally mounted on
a donkey, or horse, and borne to the house of her future husband for the com-
pletion of the ritual. No union is permitted between those reared on the same
milk, but close lateral relationship is not prohibited, or unusual.
Polygamy is practiced by all Uighurs who can afford it and appears in practice
to work very well. It is forbidden to take more than four wives, but ways are
found to evade this prohibition. It is not uncombion to find a rich man enjoying
the pleasure of the seraglio. Needless to say, Polygamy offers every chance
for legal complications concerning inheritance and were it not that the decisions
of the Abuns are obeyed without question there Would be endless litigation in
every family.
C. Divorce: Divorce amongst the Uighurs is permissible without great.formality.
If the husband and wife do not proVe to be compatible, each of them ineFely
return to the homes of their parents. When the separation has been the result
of a foolish quarrel every effort is made by the families Concerned to arrange
a reunion. Remarriage is not permitted for six months in order that' there may
be time for 'a reconciliation, but after three divorces the same couple cannot
be joined again until either one or the other has had intexcobrse with someone
else. This is to discourage undue fickleness by publicly shaming those who
display it. When the husband divorces the wife, all the household gOods go to
her. If she separate a from him, she gets nothing. In the event that there are
children, the father takes the sons and the mother the daughters. A child born
within one year of a divorce must be acknowledged by the husband, this is enforced
when there are obvious grounds for believing that it is not his child. Unfaithful
women are given public humiliation. The face is dusted with soot and she is
seated backwards upon a donkey. She is thus led through the bazaars and her
? wickedness exposed to the public. The Uighur inhabitants of the Tarim Basin
have been particularly noted for the casual relations between the sexes. Divorce
IS extraordinarily easy, temporary alliances are common and the family as an
institution ie unstable to a degree Unsurpassed among peoples bf the Islamic faith.
d. 4eIrte3. Rite The burial rites of the Uighurs are very elaborate and ih the case
of a wealthy family cost a great deal. No delay is permitted, however, and the
ceremony is usually completed within twenty-four hours after death. While the
priests read from the Koran the deceased, whose head is not shaved, is wrapped
? in white cloth and placed in a coffin of sweet-smelling wood, over which there
is placed a beautifully embroidered cover. For the burial, a great cave some
ten feet deep is prepared and the coipse is slid out from the coffin to be
slowly lowered into the earth, the hole being immediately filled with sand and
clay. If the corpse falls face upwards the family is congratulated on the
holiness of the deceased. If the corpse falls face downwards, they are'pitied.
If the corpse falls on the edge of the'graVe it is thought that the death is
untimely and thus the spirit will not find rest. Every year at spring and
autumn the grave is visited and made trim, for to neglect the burial-pleee of
your parents is a grievous sin. If there is a son then the property goes to
him; if there is no son?-a daughter may inherit; but the law also provides that
a son or daughter by a previous marriage may claim a share.
13. ceeeeLgeelettleg; The Uighurs have many- good qualities. Bonesty is their pride and
they rarely break their word. They are law-abiding by nature and bear misfortune
submissively. Drunkenness disgusts them and to lend money at high interest is
considered disgraceful. When they swear ah oath they ley their hand on the Koran,
or if the sacred book is not available, stamp on cooked rice. This signifies that
they will be crushed even as the rice is crushed if they break faith when once they
have sworn. They are a very warm and human race. When they dance it is in couples,
somewhat in the style of Europe. The favorite game of the adult aghurs is nulaghu.
This is played on horseback, in teams, and has a distant resemblance to polo. The
object, though, is to retrieve the carcass of a goat or sheep. All in all, the
Uighurs are a friendly, patient and warm race. They are fond of laughter, talk,
music, drama, good eating, fairs and crowded markets.
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14. Bad They ere for the most part timid, pleasure-loving and indolent
and cannot be relied on in an emergency. As workere, they are strong, but eau.
They are content to sit in the sun after eating and they believe that all is for
the best until events *rove the contrary. When this does happen, they fly to
the other extreme and proclaim that all is lost.
15. bigaa,2rjati;k4sgag The Uighurs, people who speak one of the many mutually intelli-
gible dialects of the Uighur language, are all Moslems, all share the same
literary and artistic heritage, live chiefly by agriculture, have a common history,
form 95% of the population in the Tarim Basin (where 90 per cent of them are
concentrated) and in other respects display a high degree of uniformity. At the
other extreme are the CUnese of Sinkiang, one third of whom are Moslem while two
thirds are Buddhists. The Uighurs? in the past, have been prone to religious fury
under the influence of a priesthood sadly inclined towards fanaticism. Ona the
whole, however, they live on good terms with the Chinese? but rarely master the
Chinese language and as this is the instrument of the government, decrees and
regulations have to be interpreted. If the language difficulty could be successfully
overcome, the Uighurs would be far more content and since they make up more than
two thirds of the total population, this would make for the happiness and prosperity
of Sinkiang.
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