For 250 years; the Turkic Muslims of Altishahr―the vast desert region to the northwest of Tibet―have led an uneasy existence under Chinese rule. Today they call themselves Uyghurs; and they have cultivated a sense of history and identity that challenges Beijing’s official national narrative. Rian Thum argues that the roots of this history run deeper than recent conflicts; to a time when manuscripts and pilgrimage dominated understandings of the past. Beyond broadening our knowledge of tensions between the Uyghurs and the Chinese government; this meditation on the very concept of history probes the limits of human interaction with the past.Uyghur historical practice emerged from the circulation of books and people during the Qing Dynasty; when crowds of pilgrims listened to history readings at the tombs of Islamic saints. Over time; amid long journeys and moving rituals; at oasis markets and desert shrines; ordinary readers adapted community-authored manuscripts to their own needs. In the process they created a window into a forgotten Islam; shaped by the veneration of local saints.Partly insulated from the rest of the Islamic world; the Uyghurs constructed a local history that is at once unique and assimilates elements of Semitic; Iranic; Turkic; and Indic traditions―the cultural imports of Silk Road travelers. Through both ethnographic and historical analysis; The Sacred Routes of Uyghur History offers a new understanding of Uyghur historical practices; detailing the remarkable means by which this people reckons with its past and confronts its nationalist aspirations in the present day.
#283709 in Books 2014-10-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.03 x 1.07 x 5.72l; .0 #File Name: 0674416856512 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Brigham the politician; church leader; colonizer; and individualBy mickA superb work of historical research and writing. Turner did a commendable job in writing a roughly 400 page biography (not including endnotes index) of a man who warrants thousands of pages about him. The result is a book that is both focused and refreshing. Turner wrote this biography neither to demonize the Mormon Moses or to praise him without mentioning at length the controversial aspects of his character and decisions. It is balanced and thoroughly researched. Two minor gripes from this reviewer. Turner could have spent a few words discussing the relationship between Young and apostle Amasa Mason Lyman; who became an apostate and joined the Godbeite movement. Turner also could have attempted to provide a list of Brigham's dozens of wives and children. All in all; it's a biography of a "pioneer prophet" that will be stand the test of time.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A great readBy Sean C PrinceTurner does a great job covering the fascinating life of Brigham Young. On occasion; Turner seems to make assertions where objectivity might suggest restraint. But; he also does a very good job at attempting to stay neutral; while at the same time proffering suggestions as to why Young acted the way he did. Really enjoyed it. Would recommend to all audiences.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful book!By Chris C.Very well written! Extremely informative but in a non-biased way. Great book for Mormons and non-Mormons alike! If you like American history; you'll appreciate this one.
