Heritage Category

Traditional Music

Geographic Origin

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Northwest China

Temporal Peak

Developed over centuries along the Silk Road

UNESCO Status

Representative List

Transmission

Master-Apprentice (Oral/Aural)

Primary Vectors

Oral Tradition

CIVILIZATION OBJECT NO. 042

Uyghur Muqam of Xinjiang

"A grand musical tradition from Xinjiang blending folk songs, dances, and instrumental music — the cultural soul of the Uyghur people."

CIVILIZATION CONTEXT

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This artifact is part of the Intangible Heritage Cluster. It connects to 11 entities across the atlas, spanning 1 region, 1 master, 0 festivals, and 0 skills.

01 / ARCHIVAL ORIGINS

Uyghur Muqam of Xinjiang: A Living Heritage

The Uyghur Muqam is a comprehensive musical form performed throughout the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It integrates folk songs, dances, and instrumental music with a rich repertoire of over 300 melodies. Passed down through oral tradition, the Muqam embodies the cultural identity of the Uyghur people and draws on centuries of Silk Road cultural exchange.

Centuries

Years of Unbroken Lineage

0

Related Cultural Vectors

FIG. 01: Uyghur Muqam ensemble performing traditional music
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Stories & Legends

The Lute That Crossed the Desert: Pipa

historical

A Persian instrument that crossed the Silk Road and became unmistakably Chinese.

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Related Places

THE LIVING BREATH

Generations Preserved

NATIONAL / GEN 1

A Mana

A Mana is a master of Uyghur Muqam from the Kashgar region of Xinjiang. She began learning the twelve Muqam suites from master Seitwali at age 15 and has performed across Xinjiang and internationally....

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KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

Relationship Constellation

Tracing the invisible threads that connect Uyghur Muqam of Xinjiang to the broader civilization ecosystem.