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When Xinjiang cotton meets traditional weaving skills

Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Otkur Nijat) news: On March 27, 2025, in the weaving workshop of the Juweiqi Village Modern Homespun Textile Production and Sales Cooperative in Kezileboyi Town, Payzawat County, the rhythmic clatter of looms filled the air as cotton threads shuttled back and forth.

Mamatjan Tursun, a 56-year-old master weaver, sat at his loom, deftly working the fabric while teaching his five-year-old granddaughter Alfire Emarjan the ancestral craft. As the fifth-generation inheritor of the State-level intangible cultural heritage, Uygur traditional cotton-weaving technique, Mamatjan began learning the art from his father and grandfather at age 15. Over his 41-year career, he has preserved this heritage—now upheld by 15 family members across three generations.

Photo taken on March 27, 2025 shows Mamatjan Tursun teaches cooperative members his cotton-weaving technique.

The State-level intangible cultural heritage, Uygur traditional cotton-weaving technique, enjoys widespread popularity in Payzawat County. In Mamatjan Tursun's household, the ancient production process. This textile craft holds both significant cultural value as a treasure of Chinese weaving techniques and practical value.

Photo taken on March 27, 2025 shows Hurnisa Musa (right), the 78-year-old aunt of Mamatjan Tursun, spins cotton thread.

Photo taken on March 27, 2025 shows members of the Juweiqi Village Modern Homespun Textile Production and Sales Cooperative in Kezileboyi Town, Payzawat County, Kashi Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, showcase their handwoven cloth garments.

Mamatjan Tursun has pioneered a unique artistic style by incorporating the natural landscapes, such as the grand canyon, colorful mountains, populus euphratica forests, and Xiker Lake, along with local specialties like melons and plums into Atlas patterns. His textile creations, celebrated for their vibrant fusion of ecological and cultural elements, have become highly sought-after souvenirs among tourists visiting Xinjiang.

Photo taken on March 27, 2025 shows Mamatjan Tursun displays his handwoven dalian, a traditional Uygur textile bag.

Photo taken on March 27, 2025 shows a handbag with plum pattern made by Mamatjan Tursun.

"The durability and rustic charm of our handwoven fabrics have made our cooperative's clothing and textiles popular in tourist destinations like the ancient city of Kashi," said Mamatjan Tursun. "More visitors are now appreciating our cotton weaving techniques, and I'm so glad to see young people showing interest in the craft. I'll gladly teach anyone who wants to learn. Keeping this tradition alive is my greatest joy."

Photo taken on March 27, 2025 shows Mamatjan Tursun displays his handwoven dalian, a traditional Uygur textile bag.

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