Rescue and Protection of Xinjiang Traditional Arts
( 2005-09-13 )

 Rescue and Protection of Xinjiang Traditional Arts

The unique advantages of geography and ethnicity have endowed Xinjiang with a rich wealth of traditional arts, which have been passed down through generations to today. The representative masterpieces are the Uygur "Muqam," the Kazak "Aken Songs," the Kirgiz epic Manas, and the Mongolian epic Jianggar.

Since the founding of thePeople's Republic of Chinain 1949, great attention has been paid to the rescue, protection, documentation, and research of traditional arts in Xinjiang; and several special institutions were set up for this important work, such as the Music Workgroup in the Cultural Department, the Office for Ancient Books, the Research Center for Muqam, and the Xinjiang Muqam Art Group.

Also, books such as as Twelve Muqam, Dolan Muqam, Turpan Muqam, Hami Muqam, Manas, and Jianggar, and the Kazak Aken works Aites, Tirmai, and Tuolio have been published.

In addition, national and international seminars have been organized on Muqam, Manas, and Jianggar, while the Kazak Aken Music Parties are held every year and are becoming more and more innovative.

The protection of traditional art heritage is vital to its further development. Related publications on Xinjiang art are now drawing strong interest from both home and abroad, and overseas tours of the Uygur Muqam have been received with great enthusiasm. Xinjiang's traditional arts have been absorbed, adapted, documented, and refined into various contemporary productions, which are enjoyed by all ethnic peoples alike.