Upon reading several websites, blogs and viewing pictures, the common theme is that Kashgar is a pretty killing city. Some blogs described it as a city out of another time, while others noted that while it\u2019s in China, it really isn\u2019t Chinese (Wei). This is mostly because of its traditional markets, mostly farmer population and the predominant language spoken being Uyghur. Despite its traditional aspects, Kashgar and the entire Xinjiang region is encountering modernization. The Chinese government has developed several sections of the old city, often wiping out many of the cultural heritage locations in the process. This is decidedly uncool for the people who live there given that it is their traditional lifestyle that is being decimated, not the Han Chinese. However, the government has stated that this is in the name of progress and that their infrastructure and development will benefit the area in the long run.
\nDespite these modernization projects, Kashgar maintains its \u201cold city\u201d allure. A big attraction is the Sunday Markets which draw over 100,000 people to the pavilions and open fields. Because nearly 90 percent of Kashgarians are farmers, their income mostly comes from selling excess crops and selling their animals (Wei). A sheep is about the same price as my two-way flight from Raleigh to Beijing ($900) according to some bloggers. However, the Kashgar New Land International Travel Service Company puts the price of a sheep at a mere $230. Either way, sheep are fascinating and are the livelihood of many Kashgar residents today and thousands of years in the past.
\nMore about sheep: A high nose bridge, long ears, and a big tail, makes a good sheep. So next time you\u2019re out at Walmart, keep that in mind. The Kashgar sheep are famous according to the same website, as many inland Chinese like to have their Kashgar mutton and transport it from Xinjiang. Mutton is primarily used in stews and Kebabs but is also the meat of choice among Uyghurs as they must respect the Halal preparation rules.
\nSheep are a big deal, but so are camels. The History Department of the University of Washington calls camels \u201cthe most important animal for the development of the long-distance overland trade across Asia.\u201d Camels are not only useful for carrying 500 pounds worth of stuff, their milk is used in yogurts as well as to make a drink called shubat. Both camels and sheep were used for clothing purposes as well.
\nThat\u2019s quite enough about livestock for now. Next time we\u2019ll take a look at what the livestock becomes after it has lived its glorious life. Kebabs, clothing and dishes, what can you make from your camel?
\nFinally, a quote from a human by the name of Alitash, found in Clarissa Wei\u2019s blogpost about Kashgar and its markets, published on Vice.
\n\u201cCamel milk is good for tuberculosis. Camel meat is the cheapest type of meat. Pregnant women won\u2019t eat camel meat because it\u2019s said to elongate their pregnancy by months.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Upon reading several websites, blogs and viewing pictures, the common theme is that Kashgar is a pretty killing city. Some blogs described it as a city out of another time, while others noted that while it\u2019s in China, it really isn\u2019t Chinese (Wei). This is mostly because of its traditional markets, mostly farmer population and … Continue reading The Process: 5<\/span>