This exhibition presents the image of Uyghur women as cultural code holders. Can you explain a little bit more about that?

Uyghur is an ancient nation with a very rich culture. Unfortunately, now there are no research institutions that study its material culture. For the last four centuries, the Uyghurs have paid attention to politics, economics, and religion, but no attention has been paid to its ancient culture. The historical land of the Uyghurs borders Altai on the northern side, Tajikistan and Afghanistan on the western side, India on the southern side, and China on the eastern side. These neighbouring countries, with their influences, have enriched the culture of the people. The Uyghurs harmoniously integrated with the ancient religions. Like all Turkic people, they professed Shamanism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Neo-Ostracism, Buddhism, and Manicheism. Only in the 14th century, they then adopted Islam. Of course, this rich chronology of religions makes our culture rich and multifaceted. Unfortunately, the unexplored ancient culture is a big gap in our history and memory.

Only a woman could preserve the ancient culture. On a non-subconscious level - through their clothing, jewelry, and rituals, they carry with them a very important cultural code. There are thirteen regions in Xinjiang. In each region, women have their style of clothing in which the colour and pattern convey a very deep meaning. This is a language of cultural codes. The variety of dishes that women prepare are preserved. It also shows the versatility of the culture. For example, we have more than 30 types of herbal dishes which were influenced by the Buddhist religion. So, everything that a woman does, what she wears, the ceremonies, the songs they sing, all of these things are encrypted in the cultural code of our ancient culture. Therefore, for me, a woman is my hero, who - despite all the influences of historical circumstances, the change of rulers, and other changes we have endured - could preserve important information about our ancestors. For me, this is a huge discovery, so every woman is my SHERO.

pierre sernet 

By Naz Khialvi کبھی یہاں تمہیں ڈھونڈا کبھی وہاں پہنچا kabhi yahaan tumhein dhoonda kabhi wahaan pohancha At times I searched for you here, at times I traveled there