ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the cultural and musical expression of both organised Sufism and a range of popular Islamic practices amongst the Uyghurs. The traditional musical and ritual practices of the Uyghurs are historically entwined with the play of political power. Ildiko Beller-Hann stresses the 'deeply Islamic nature' of the popular religious practices amongst the Uyghurs whilst also recognising their syncretic nature, integrating Sufi traditions with Buddhist and other pre-Islamic ritual practices. The Ordam, Xinjiang's largest shrine festival, is held deep in the Taklimakan desert near Kashgar at the tomb of the eleventh-century martyr Ali Arslan Khan of the Qarakhan, who died in battle during the 50-years' war against the neighbouring Buddhist kingdom of Khotan. Another major shrine festival is held in the southern Xinjiang in May during the mulberry season at the tomb of Imam Hasim, another eleventh-century martyr who died in battle against Khotan.
