ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses on the cultural and racial context of Uyghurs in China and the nature of the data and sampling techniques. Demographic and geographical patterns as presented through official data are laid out as an introduction to the origins of the migrations and the nature of their use of urban space and their relationship with the city. The data used in the chapter are based on three sources: first, the Chinese census carried out in the summer of 1990; second, a small survey carried out by the authors and a research assistant in 1994; third, the sample survey of minority migrants carried out in 1997-98 by the editors. It focuses on the socio-economic influence of the Uyghurs on the fabric of Beijing. The chapter explores ways in which the Uyghurs have attempted to engage with Beijing and ways in which they have, deliberately or not, remained separate. It also discusses on the marriage behavior and education.
