Tales from Abroad Text by Yoong Wah (Alex Wong) - Turkey Photos by Zhang Xin Min (China) Survival Culture – Story Lands

n March 2010, we (Zhang Xin Min and myself) held an exhibit entitled “Survival Culture, Story Lands – ” at FASS ART Gallery, Sabanci University, I Istanbul - Turkey. We are very much interested to showcase the land of harmonious society and a land full of tales shared by the Uygurs, Hans, , Huis, Mongols, Kirgizs, Xibes, Tajikis and many more ethnic groups. With more than 13,000KM of travels and documented works from northern Xinjiang (Altay city – Kanas and Hemu), Urumqi, , , , Ili, Aksu, city, to the southern XinJiang ( city). These are ongoing photographic works that range from historical landmarks to the silent unknown back street of undiscovered villages as well as landscape photographs that resemble paintings as well as warm local wedding ceremonies.

“To me, as a local born in Xinjiang, the most attractive part would be the crossing, Yoong Wah (Alex) Wong(4th from left) merging and clashing between the modern civilization and the well preserved Currently attached to Sabanci University – culture. From my point of view, everything under my footstep have no separations Istanbul as a 3D and Video instructor. or distance; the mountain, river, bazaar, citizens are all warmly blended and actively appealing. He has travelled to more than 30 countries. Received both national and international awards in the area of photography, animation and video.

30 Photo by Alex Wong

31 Tales from Abroad

“The thread in the hands of a loving mother sews the clothes on the back of a wandering son” – this is a line from a famous ancient poem in China. This poem expressed the feelings of a traveller as he wore the clothes made by his mother reminded him of the warmth of his home. It struck me when I came across a Uygur cobbler who helped repair my worn shoes but refused to accept my money. Since the early days, Kashgar has been a cross-road where traders and pilgrims stopped for their needful rest. However, it was here that I found the warmth of a family and my spiritual sustenance. The photo taken by Alex had given an insight to my feelings. It was the fact that we both had the same experience which brought us together for a joint exhibition.” Zhang Xin Min.

“As a foreigner who visited Xinjiang for the third time, my memories and thoughts flew everywhere when I arrived at Urumqi city again. For a moment I was “blur-blur” on the way to discover XinJiang Autonomous Region. Rain...rain...rain, all I could see was heavy rain and cloudy weather ahead of us. From the moment we drove out of Urumqi city, my thoughts were kept clinging on to the mouldering past of my previous visits. The cloud was thick and grey, I was hoping that the sun would blast through it and clear off some of my nostalgic memories and doubts, and start a fresh journey ahead.

On the way, I began to wonder who owned this road and land? The local folks (Uygurs, Hans, Kazakhs, Tatars, Tajiks, Mongolians, Russians and other local ethnic groups) or us - the travellers, the vehicles, the animals? All I could see was that all living beings were crossing this piece of peaceful landscape freely. Flashes of moments while passing through this very long journey, the stranger in red, the silent love maker, the rumours and doubts about this piece of beautiful land were clear and appeared before me as the sunlight painted across the clear blue sky. The journey was long (13,000KM) yet fast, before long we waved our hands to this piece of wonderful and mysterious land leaving nothing behind except dust and shadow. Goodbye and will see you soon enough, my “friends”. Alex Wong.

32 33 Tales from Abroad About Xinjiang:

Xinjiang shares a border with , Russia, , Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and the Tibet Autonomous Region. Since ancient times, Xinjiang has been populated by many ethnic groups, including a great number of nomadic tribes and nations. By the end of the 19th century, more than 13 major ethnic communities had established themselves there: The majority are the Uygurs (8.8 million), Hans (7.9 million), Kazaks (1.7 million), Huis (866 thousand), Mongolians (167 thousand), Kirgizs (173 thousand), Xibes (41 thousand), Tajiks (41 thousand), Manchus (24 thousand), Ozbeks (15 thousand), Russians (11 thousand), Daurs (7 thousand), Tatars (5 thousand) and etc.

Once called the “Western Region”, Xinjiang includes China’s northwest frontier in the heartland of Eurasia. It covers 1,664,900 square kilometres, one- sixth of the country’s area, and shares a 5,600 km border with eight neighbouring countries. According to the 2009 census, its population was about 20.10 million. There are five autonomous regions in China. They are Inner Mongolia AR, Tibet AR, Ningxia Hui AR, Xinjiang Uyghur AR, and Guangxi Zhuang AR. Regardless of the names, these regions are in fact less autonomous than the special administrative regions of China. Being one of five autonomous regions in China, Xinjiang is now home to 47 ethnic groups.

In 138 BC, the Han Dynasty imperial court sent Zhang Qian as special envoy to the “Western Region” to forge alliances with local tribes against border harassment from the Huns. In 121 BC, the Han army defeated the Huns at the “River-West Corridor” in Gansu Province and established four frontier prefectures: Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiuquan and Dunhuang. In 101 BC, the Western Han Dynasty stationed hundreds of garrison troops south of the Tianshan Mountains to guard the border and cultivate the land. Later in 60 BC, the Han Dynasty set up a “Western Region Frontiers Command” in Xinjiang, taking up sovereignty over the region. Xinjiang hence became an integral part of the multiethnic Chinese nation.

Xinjiang’s 13 major ethnic groups have been involved in constant migration due to great changes in the natural environment. These population movements have caused religious and cultural intermingling, producing the region’s present unique customs. These are expressed through diet, costume, wedding and funeral ceremonies, as well as religious beliefs, values, taboos and art. It is no wonder that whoever visits is deeply impressed by Xinjiang’s rich cultural diversity.

Source: http://www.china.org.cn/english/139389. htm

34 Get Inspired

Morning at Sungai Mengkabong

Photographer : Norfaizah Manjah Camera : Canon EOS 1000D Lens : Canon EF-S 18-55mm, shot at 55mm Exposure : ISO 100; f8; 1/100 sec

It was about 5.00am when two friends and I waited for the sunrise at Gayang Bridge in Sepanggar, Kota Kinabalu. I was so amazed with the morning breeze. And while I was enjoying my McDonald’s breakfast, a boat came towards the bridge and I grab the opportunity to have a snapshot on the ripples of Sg. Mengkabong.

Get Inspired! is a column for readers to submit their works to be showcased. Interested readers may submit their works to [email protected] or [email protected]

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