Imagine this: It's the 1950s in Hetian, southern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Kurban Tulum, a Uygur man who grew up in a life of serfdom (basically, a system where families were bound to the land and couldn't decide their own future), heard the news of liberation. So hyped and grateful, he decided to ride a donkey all the way to Beijing—to personally thank Chairman Mao! 🐴✨
Fast-forward decades later, that legendary ride is now a beloved film 🎥, and Kurban's descendants are carrying the torch into the digital era. Here's how this family's journey mirrors Xinjiang's own transformation:
1. From Fields to Cities 🏙️
Back then, life in Hetian was all about farming and local crafts—think handwoven rugs, vibrant Uygur music, and family babas around the samovar. Today, the younger generation is trading donkey paths for city streets, chasing degrees, and launching startups in Urumqi and beyond.
2. Heritage Goes Online 🌐
Remember that film about Kurban's epic ride? It's now available on streaming platforms, letting viewers from Karachi to Jakarta dive into Uygur culture anytime, anywhere. The family even shares behind-the-scenes clips on social media—talk about mixing tradition with TikTok!
3. Keeping Roots Alive 🌾
Even as smartphones take over, family reunions in Hetian still feature traditional bazaars, Uygur dance circles (meshrep), and killer polo matches on horseback. It's a reminder that you can go global while keeping your local groove.
4. Looking Ahead 🚀
As the world embraces AI and green tech, the younger Tulum generation is studying engineering and sustainable agriculture, aiming to honor their ancestors by building a modern Xinjiang that respects its past while charging into the future.
So next time you binge that film or scroll through Uygur art on your feed, remember: behind every legend is a family writing new chapters. And in Xinjiang, the story is far from over. 😉
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
