Tajiks of Xinjiang
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| Total population |
|---|
| 41,028 (China);[1] 1,000~2,000 (Tajikistan, Sarikoli)[2] |
| Regions with significant populations |
| Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County |
| Languages |
| Religion |
|
mainly Ismailism |
| Related ethnic groups |
Pamiri people in China]][citation needed], also referred to as Plateau Tajiks,[3] or Tajiks in China (Chinese: 塔吉克族; pinyin: Tǎjíkè Zú), are one of the 56 nationalities officially recognized by the People's Republic of China.
The term collectively refers to several East Iranian Pamiri ethnic groups[citation needed], predominantly Sarikoli, Shugni[citation needed] and Wakhi speakers. They use Uyghur, Kyrgyz or Chinese to communicate with others.
Contents |
[edit] Distribution
The group have a population of 41,028 (2000). They are located in China's western Xinjiang region with 60% living in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County. Despite the name "Tajik" that is used to refer to them, the Pamiris of China or Tajikistan do not speak the West Iranian Tajik language which is the official language of Tajikistan,[4] differing from Persian-speaking Tajiks in terms of language, religion and culture.[5][6] Early 20th century travellers to the region referred to them as Sarikoli,[7][8] "Mountain Tajiks,"[9] or Ghalchah.
[edit] Language
In China, the languages of the ethnic group have no official written form.[citation needed] The great majority speak the Sarikoli language and use Uyghur, Kyrgyz or Chinese to communicate with people of other nationalities in the area.[citation needed] A small proportion speak Wakhi.[citation needed]
[edit] History
During the Tang dynasty, the members of the ethnic group were referred to as "Cina-deva-gotra" (from Sanskrit; Chinese transcription: 至那提婆瞿呾羅, 支那提婆瞿怛羅, or 脂那提婆瞿怛羅). The name literally means "descendant of Han and the sun-god" (漢日天种 or 日漢天种).[10]
The name originates from a story about the Persian (波利剌斯) emperor marrying a Chinese wife.[11][12][13]
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- The Tajik ethnic minority (China) (government website, in English)
[edit] References
- ^ "The Tajik Ethnic Group". China.org.cn. June 21, 2005. http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/EthnicGroups/136950.htm. Retrieved on 2007-12-10.
- ^ Pam Arlund (2000). "Research on Bilingual Phenomenon of Tajiks in Kashgar Prefecture". Language and Translation 61 (1): 12. ISSN 1001-0823. http://www.xjass.com/ls/content/2008-11/15/content_40826.htm. Retrieved on 2009-03-27.
- ^ "Plateau Tajiks celebrates the Xiaogong Bahar Festival (Tajik Nowruz) - Tashkurgan Government (Chinese)". http://www.tashkurgan.cn/jinshenwenming/ShowArticle.asp?ArticleID=396. Retrieved on 2009-04-18.
- ^ Ethnologue report for language code:tgk
- ^ UNHCR Refworld, CHINA: Xinjiang's Ismailis cut off from international Ismaili community [accessed 13 May 2009]
- ^ Minority Rights Group International, UNHCR Refworld, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Tajikistan : Pamiris [accessed 13 May 2009]
- ^ A Journey of Geographical and Archarological Exploration in Chinese Turkestan A Stein - 1904 - [sn] ... 15,800 feet above the sea), into Chinese territory on the Taghdumbash Pamir, using the yaks of the Sarikoli herdsmen...
- ^ The Heart of a Continent - Younghusband - ...an encampment belonging to a Sarikoli, who very kindly asked me to have some refreshment... (pg 242)
- ^ Through the Unknown Pamirs; the Second Danish Pamir Expedition 1898-99 By Ole Olufsen
- ^ 房, 若愚; 葛丰交. "塔吉克族的爱国主义传统" (PDF). Tribune of Social Sciences in Xinjiang. http://scholar.ilib.cn/A-QCode~xjsklt200603027.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-27.
- ^ Xuan, Zang; Bianji. Great Tang Records on the Western Regions. 12. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Tang_Records_on_the_Western_Regions.
- ^ "Digital Archive of Toyo Bunko Rare Books" (JPG, HTML & PDF). http://dsr.nii.ac.jp/toyobunko/VIII-5-B2-9/V-1/page/0124.html.en. Retrieved on 2009-03-27.
- ^ Gu, Bingshu. "The Tajik People: Crown on the Roof of the World". Glamour of Traditions. http://engine.cqvip.com/content/k/85887x/2004/000/006/sk51_k6_11148884.pdf. Retrieved on 2009-03-27.
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