A Uyger Hat making family in Turpan

Most of the people in Turpan (the second lowest place on the planet 154m below sea level) are the Ethnic Uyger. They are Muslim, they are Chinese, the speak a form of Turkish and use the Arabic script. Confused yet? They live in an oasis in the heart of the desert that has been fed by an ancient irrigation system nearly 2000years old. In underground canals, dug by their ancestors, the snow melt from the Tian Shan Mountains (Heavenly Mountains) runs with the help of gravity to this natural depression creating the greatest place to grow the sweetest grapes. The Kiraz irrigation system is famous for its technique and effectiveness, keeping this community alive for centuries.

The Uyger family factory we visited makes traditional Uyger hats. We had an opportunity to learn how the bead-work is done and the practice a bit ourselves. It is not easy and very time consuming, especially for our city hands which are particularly impatient and our young agile fingers are best at typing and videogame joystick maneuvering.

We were treated to delicious naan bread and local grapes under the shade of grapevine canopy. We each were suited with a traditional hat according to custom; Men wear black hats with white beaded patterns, while women wear red or burgundy hats with gold and pink bead-work and tassels. In return I left them with a few photos. Their smiles said it all.