Uyghur Folklore and Legends - 59 Uyghur tales from Central Asia

We invite you to curl up with this volume and indulge in the fifty-nine tales and stories of the Uyghur, to lose yourself in tales that stretch back in time almost to the great flood itself. Read about one-eyed, seven-horned monsters that double as mothers-in-law, about tricksters, illusionists, shape-shifters, ogres, and even the origin of the meaning of fate.

The Uyghur people have origins that are at least as ancient as the Han Chinese, if not more so. Originating in central China, the Uyghurs were slowly pushed further west until they settled in the Tarim Basin. Today, the Uyghur people are not limited to East Turkestan—they also inhabit the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Smaller communities also exist in Mongolia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Russia.

Because the Uyghurs have travelled so far and encountered so many different cultures, it is not surprising that their folklore is extensive. This volume weaves together the voices of many cultures and peoples, wrapped up in the uniquely Uyghur voice, resulting in a rich tapestry that cannot but please any reader.

The Uyghurs are an ethnic minority who, like the Tibetans, have been fighting for their independence for generations. A percentage of the sales from this book will be donated for education scholarships for Uyghurs in East Turkestan.