Uyghurs

Uyghurs (Uyghur: ئۇيغۇرلار; cyrillicised Уйғурлар; romanised Uyghurlar) are a Turkic ethnic group who inhabit the area of former Turkestan. They are the namesake of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region where most Uyghurs live and where they are the largest ethnic group. They primarily speak the Uyghur language and utilise a variety of alphabets. The dominant religion among Uyghurs is Sunni Islam.

History and culture

The Uyghurs developed through a long history of migration, state formation, trade, cultural exchange, and interaction among Turkic and other peoples of Central Asia and the regions now incorporated into Xinjiang. Historically, Uyghur communities practiced a variety of religions, including Buddhism, Manichaeism, Christianity, and forms of indigenous religion before Islam became predominant among most Uyghurs.

Uyghur culture includes distinctive literary, musical, culinary, architectural, and religious traditions. The Uyghur language remains widely used in Xinjiang, including in publishing, broadcasting, education, and public life. Chinese law formally guarantees ethnic minorities the right to use and develop their own spoken and written languages, while the Xinjiang regional government also promotes the use of standard Mandarin Chinese.

Religion

Most Uyghurs are Sunni Muslims. The Chinese Constitution formally guarantees freedom of religious belief, and the government states that lawful Islamic worship, mosque attendance, fasting, religious education, and the publication of Islamic texts are protected in Xinjiang. At the same time, religious practice is regulated by the state under laws aimed at combating terrorism.