Who are the Uyghurs related to?

In total, Uyghurs range from 44–64\% Siberian/East Asian, 37–57\% European/southwest Asian. The analysis suggests the Uyghurs are most closely related to modern Central Asian populations such as the Hazaras of Afghanistan and the Uzbeks, followed by East Asian populations and West Eurasians.

Who are the people of Xinjiang?

It is home to a number of ethnic groups, including the Turkic Uyghur, Kazakhs and Kyrgyz, the Han, Tibetans, Hui, Chinese Tajiks (Pamiris), Mongols, Russians and Sibe. There are more than a dozen autonomous prefectures and counties for minorities in Xinjiang.

Is Xinjiang occupied?

In the 18th century, the area was conquered by the Chinese Qing dynasty. In 1884, after the Dungan Revolt (1862–77), the area was renamed Xinjiang. It is now a part of the People’s Republic of China.

When did Uyghurs reach China?

The official Chinese view asserts the Uyghurs to be of Tiele origin who only became the main social and political force in Xinjiang during the 9th century, when they migrated to the region from Mongolia after the collapse of the Uyghur Khaganate, replacing the Han Chinese that they claim were there since the Han …

Who are China’s Uyghurs?

The Uyghurs are the largest minority ethnic group in China’s north-western province of Xinjiang China has been accused of committing crimes against humanity and possibly genocide against the Uyghur population and other mostly-Muslim ethnic groups in the north-western region of Xinjiang.

What is happening to the Uyghur population in Xinjiang?

Between 2010 and 2018, the Uyghur population in Xinjiang grew by 25\% (while Han population in that region grew by 2\%). Also, life expectancy in Xinjiang has increased from just 30 to more than 74 since 1949. Uyghurs (and other minorities in China) also get many preferential treatments — Chinese affirmative action — in colleges and other areas.

What is the Uyghur language?

The Uyghur language has around 10 million speakers and is shared with other minority groups in the region. Both Uyghurs and the predominantly Han government lay claim to Xinjiang.

What is happening to the Uyghurs?

There is also evidence that Uyghurs are being used as forced labour and of women being forcibly sterilised. Some former camp detainees have also alleged they were tortured and sexually abused. The US is among several countries to have accused China of committing genocide in Xinjiang.