China’s Silk Road - Historical Influence and Development in Xinjiang

Abstract

Recently, the Silk Road became revived by the People’s Republic of China as the global economic power, including the contacts along its ancient routes. Beijing is aiming to reactivate the Silk Road that once linked China with Central and Southeast Asia, the Gulf States, Africa, and Europe. Many among them are nowadays Islamic states, in particular along the continental path. Taking this into account, the historic and archaeological heritage highlights the influence on nowadays’ economic, political, social, and ecological implications and consequences. Different ideologies are the main challenges for this new initiative. The present article focuses as a descriptive narrative on the history, development and position of Islam in Central Asia, mainly in Xinjiang and its inhabitants the Uyghurs. Uyghurs and Han share their history, not only by conflicts but also by trade and cultural exchange. The author’s field research (by archaeological surveys, as well as interviews with inhabitants) reflects the contradiction of those regions sometimes forgotten in the world, but on the other hand, becoming the center of global trade.