The Special Press Conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on the Preservation and Protection of Traditional Culture

（December 6, 2021）

Photo taken on December 6, 2021 shows the special press conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on the preservation and protection of traditional culture in Urumqi, capital of XUAR. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/ Zou Yi

On December 6, 2021, a special press conference on the preservation and protection of traditional culture was held in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. At the conference, nine videos were played on the preservation and development of cultural and artistic treasures of ethnic groups in Xinjiang, which effectively refuted the lies and fallacies of “cultural extinction” in Xinjiang, which is maliciously spread by anti-China forces in the United States and the West.

Hostess: Good morning, fellow media reporters. Welcome to the Special Press Conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on the Preservation and Protection of Traditional Culture. I’m Guli Abulimu, hostess of the press conference today.

Photo taken on December 6, 2021 shows Guli Abulimu, the hostess of the special press conference of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on the preservation and protection of traditional culture in Urumqi, capital of XUAR. Photo by Xinjiang Daily/ Zou Yi

Hostess: Over some time, the anti-China forces in the United States and the West have been selectively blind to the great efforts made by the Chinese government to protect the equal rights of all ethnic groups and the historic progress made in human rights in Xinjiang. In a vain attempt to tarnish China’s image and interfere in China’s internal affairs, curb China’s development and undermine the prosperity and stability of Xinjiang, they distort the facts and fabricate rumors out of thin air, wantonly hyping Xinjiang related issues and maliciously spreading fallacies such as “cultural extinction” in Xinjiang.

In fact, Xinjiang attaches great importance to the protection and development of the excellent traditional culture of all ethnic groups, and has formulated and issued a series of policies and measures to vigorously develop the cultural undertakings of ethnic minorities, such as The Plan On the Revitalization of Traditional Craftsmanship in Xinjiang and the Regulations of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on the Protection of Uygur Twelve Muqam Arts, which have effectively promoted the preservation and development of the cultural and artistic treasures of all ethnic groups. So far, 4640 representative items of intangible cultural heritage have been officially published by governments at all levels in Xinjiang. Among them, there are 94 national representative intangible cultural heritage projects, 81 recognized protected units of national intangible cultural heritage projects, 112 intangible cultural heritage trustees, and 17 representative intangible cultural heritage projects listed in the first batch of national traditional craft revitalization catalogue. “Xinjiang Uygur Muqam art(The Uygur Muqam of Xinjiang)”, “Manas” and “Meshrep” have been listed in the UNESCO “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”. A number of traditional ethnic cultural treasures, such as the Mongolian epic Jangar, the Kazakh folk art Aken Aytes, the Hui people’s Hua’er Folk Song Festival, the Tajik Eagle dance, the Xibe Westward Migration Festival are under effective protection.

Next, we will hear the true and vivid story on the preservation and protection of traditional culture in Xinjiang through a group of video footage.

Hostess: Mengkecaicike is the manager of the Association of Embroidery Handicrafts Production by the Disabled in Bohu County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture. Originally she was a housewife. With the help of the local Women’s Federation, she learned embroidery and sewing, and set up her own workshop. She passed on this skill to people who are interested in it. “A needle and a thread reflect our love for life,” she said. Now, let’s take a look at Mengkecaicike’s Embroidery dream.

Hostess: Yengisar knife is named after its origin, Yengisar County, Kashgar Prefecture. It is famous at home and abroad for its exquisite shape, beautiful patterns and sharp edges. It is one of the three famous knives of ethnic minorities in China. Abulajiang Nu’ermaimaiti is a famous knife maker in Yengisar County. He started to learn Yengisar knife handicrafts making from his father when he was young. Now, he is teaching several apprentices and running an Yengisar knife handicraft cooperative with his wife. The cooperative has brought him good income and also promoted the employment of the neighboring villagers. Next, let’s enjoy Abulajiang’s story on how he has got a well off life.

Hostess: Wood carving is a traditional Kazak craft. This handicraft is made of timber from poplar or willow. Around its base and edges are carved with Kazak patterns with strong charm. Nulisailike Dawutbek, a wood carving craftsman in Xinyuan County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, has been engaged in wood carving handicrafts for years. He usually teaches wood carving skills to his two children and makes some wood carving toys. Now, let’s follow Nulisailike to experience his “wood carving” skills.

Hostess: The falcon training custom of Kirgiz people has been included in the national intangible cultural heritage list. It is a custom formed historically in Kirgiz people’s production and life over centuries. The elder brother of Dainisak Duolikun, a villager of Yalangqi Village, Aheqi County, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, is the trustee of Kirgiz falcon training custom. Usually, his brother teaches him how to falconry. Dainisak Duolikun is not allowed by his brother to take his falcon for practical training in the open field until he is sure of every detail as is cautioned by his brother before they leave for the falconry place. The brothers gently caressing a falcon form a true portrayal of the harmony between man and nature. Now, let’s watch a video clip on the story of Dainisak and his brother’s falcon training.

Hostess: Hu’an is a wood carving craftsman in Habahe County, Altay Prefecture. His father is the trustee of wood carving craftsmanship, and he learned the wood carving skills from his father. The wooden utensils they have made are of various patterns and in a wide range of use. His two children are very familiar with the wood carving for they have been using wooden utensils made by their parents and grand parents since their childhood. Now, let’s enjoy the traditional wood carving craftsmanship of the Hu’an family.

Hostess: Khoomei is a “throat-singing” art, an intangible cultural heritage at the autonomous region level. It is melodious and natural with a decorous quality. Ye’erjigeti Nu’ermuhamaiti, a musician in Tekes County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, loves singing Kazak Khoomei in his spare time. He can play many kinds of musical instruments, and his wife can write lyrics. Their daughter and son have inherited the musical talent of their parents. Now let’s watch the video clip on the original song “The Song of a Family” composed by the Ye’erjigeti family.

Hostess: Maimaititu’erxun Maman is responsible for the performance and composing of music in the song and dance troupe of Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, and his wife is also a dancer of the song and dance troupe. They both love the Kirgiz heroic epic Manas. As soon as he has time, he will teach his two sons to sing Manas. He said, “I hope the children can inherit and develop Manas”. Now let’s watch the video clip on how Maimaititu’erxun Maman inherits and develops Manas.

Hostess: Alebieke Hadebik, a Kazak young man who is crazy about music, opened a training class in his hometown, Hoboksar Mongolian Autonomous County Tacheng Prefecture to teach children electronic organ playing. After work, he usually writes songs in his studio and it is the most enjoyable work for him. In addition to his favorite work, he also has a warm family. His son is versatile and studies very well. His daughter is lively and likes small animals. He said, “I will cultivate my children to develop their learning and hobbies.” Now, let’s enjoy the story of Alebieke.

Hostess: Yumai’eraili Maimaiti works in the art troupe of Akto County, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, mainly responsible for music composing and production. So far he has composed more than 100 pieces of music which have got many people acquainted with his hometown Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture. Under the influence and instructions of his father, he is also making ethnic musical instruments. He said, “when my two sons grow up, I will teach them musical instruments making just as my father used to do on me.” Now let’s enjoy Yumai’eraili’s story of music.

Hostess: The Chinese people of all ethnic groups have jointly created the splendid Chinese culture. The culture of all ethnic groups is an integral part of Chinese culture. Laws and regulations such as the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Cultural Relics, the Law of the People's Republic of China on Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Measures for the Implementation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the Regulations of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage provide a legal guarantee for the protection of the cultures of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

The trustees of excellent culture and art of all ethnic groups who are living and working in Xinjiang are describing a beautiful life and creating a happy future with their own hands. They are the most qualified, trustworthy and persuasive witnesses. Facts speak louder than words. Welcome friends from all over the world to Xinjiang to have a look at the happy life of the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang and experience the charm of the traditional culture of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

This is the end of today’s press conference. Thank you, media reporters!