Ethnic structure of China. The Chinese are wise and brilliant

China is a multinational state, home to 56 nationalities. According to the third national census of 1982, there were 936.70 million Chinese (Han) and 67.23 million members of national minorities in China.

The 55 nationalities living in the country include: Zhuang, Hui, Uyghurs, Miao, Manchus, Tibetans, Mongols, Tujia, Bui, Koreans, Dong, Yao, Bai, Hani, Kazakhs, Tai, Li, Lisu, She, Lahu, Wa, Shui, Dong-Xiang, Nasi, Tu, Kirghiz, Qiang, Daur, Jingpo, Mulao, Sibo, Salar, Bulan, Gelao, Maonan, Tajik, Pumi, Well, Achan, Evenki, Jing, Benlongs, Uzbeks, Ji-no, Yugurs, Baoan, Dulongs, Orochons, Tatars, Russians, Gaoshan, Hezhe, Menba, Loba (arranged in descending order of numbers).

Among the ethnic groups, the largest is the Zhuang with 13.38 million people, and the smallest is the Loba with 1 thousand people. 15 national minority groups have a population of over a million people, 13 - over 100 thousand, 7 - more than 50 thousand and 20 - less than 50 thousand people. In addition, there are several ethnic groups in Yunnan and Tibet that have not yet been identified.

The population in China is distributed very unevenly. The Han people are settled throughout the country, but the bulk of them live in the basins of the Yellow, Yangtze and Pearl rivers, as well as on the Songlia Plain (in the northeast). Throughout Chinese history, the Han people have had close political, economic, and cultural ties with various ethnic groups. The high level of development of the Han nationality determines its leading role in the state. National minorities, despite their small numbers, live in an area occupying about 50-60% of the country's area, mainly in Inner Mongolia, Tibet, Xinjiang Uyghur, Guangxi Zhuang and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regions, as well as the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guichou, Guangdong, Hunan, Hebei, Hubei, Fujian and Taiwan. Many national minorities are settled in the highlands, in areas of steppes and forests, and most are located in border areas.

The vast natural resources of areas inhabited by national minorities play an important role in socialist construction.

Internal migrations are significant in the distribution of the population. Residents of densely populated provinces are moving to less developed and populated areas. As a result of the change of dynasties in the course of history, the search for empty lands in border areas, and the policy of resettlement within the provinces, representatives of different national minorities have constantly migrated and currently live in mixed or compact communities. Thus, more than 20 nationalities live in Yunnan province. This is the area with the largest number of ethnic minorities present in China. Koreans are settled mainly in Yanbian County (Jilin Province), Tujia and Miao - in the eastern part of Hunan Province. The Lis live on Hainan Island, Guangdong Province. About 10 million ethnic minorities live in mixed groups throughout China, and even these small ethnic communities have merged with the Han Chinese. For example, in Inner Mongolia, Ningxia Hui and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regions, the majority of the population is Han, and only a small part are ethnic minorities. This pattern of small compact communities among large mixed groups of mainly Han Chinese is characteristic of the settlement of nationalities in China.

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Published based on the book by Intercontinental Publishing House of China
"Xinjiang: An Ethnographic Essay", by Xue Zongzheng, 2001

The Uyghurs are an ancient ethnic group that has lived in northern China since ancient times; their main place of residence is Xinjiang, but they also live in Hunan, Beijing, Guangzhou and other places. There are very few Uyghurs outside of China. The self-name "Uyghurs" means "unification", "unification". In ancient Chinese historical chronicles there are different variations of the name of the Uyghurs: “Huihu”, “Huihe”, “Uighurs”. The official name "Uyghurs" was adopted by the Xinjiang provincial government in 1935.

Uyghurs speak the Uyghur language, which belongs to the Turkic language family, and profess Islam. Their places of residence are mainly in the regions of Southern Xinjiang: Kashi, Khotan, Aksu, as well as the city of Urumqi and the Ili district in Northern Xinjiang. According to the 1988 census, the number of Uyghurs in Xinjiang is 8.1394 million people, 47.45% of the total population of Xinjiang, in rural areas the proportion of Uyghurs is 84.47%, in rural townships 6.98%, in cities 8 .55%.

Ancestors of the Uyghurs and the evolution of development

The issue of the origins of the Uyghur nationality is quite complex. Ancient peoples took part in it: the Sakas (Eastern Iranian language group), Yuezhi, Qiang (tribes of the ancient Tibetan language group who lived on the northern spurs of Kunlun), and finally, the Han people who lived in the Turfan depression. In the 40s of the 8th century, Uighur tribes engaged in nomadic cattle breeding on the Mongolian plateau migrated to the territory of what is now Xinjiang. In total, three migration flows can be traced. In Xinjiang, migrants settled in the areas of Yanqi, Gaochang (Turfan) and Jimsar. Gradually, the Uighurs settled in the vast expanses of Southern Xinjiang. This was the first stage in the formation of the Uyghur nationality based on mixing with other ethnic groups, as well as an important period in the popularization of the Uyghur language. The wall paintings of the Baiziklik Thousand Buddha Cave Temples contain images of Uyghurs. The Uyghurs of those times had clearly expressed features of the Mongoloid race. Today, the Uyghurs, along with black hair and eyes, have an oval face and skin color characteristic of a mixed yellow-white race. Moreover, there are differences in the appearance of Uyghurs living in different areas. Uyghurs living in the Kashgar-Kucha region have light skin and thick facial hair, which brings them closer to the white race; The Uyghurs of Khotan have dark skin, which brings these Uyghurs closer to the Tibetans; The Turfan Uighurs have the same skin color as the Han Chinese living in Gansu and Qinghai. All this indicates that in the process of ethnic formation, the Uyghurs experienced processes of mixing with other nationalities. The ancestors of the Uighurs by blood also include the Mongols, a large influx of whom into Xinjiang took place during the period of the Chagetai and Yarkand Khanates.

The ancestors of the Uyghurs were adherents of shamanism, Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism and Buddhism. The abundance of Buddhist religious buildings that have survived to this day: cave temples, monasteries and pagodas suggests that in ancient times Buddhism occupied a dominant position among various beliefs. In the mid-10th century, Islamism, brought from Central Asia, spread in the Karakhan Khanate. Islamism first penetrated into Kucha. In the mid-16th century, during the existence of the Yarkand Khanate, Islamism supplanted Buddhism and became the dominant religion in the Turfan and Hami regions. Thus, a historical change of religions took place in Xinjiang.

During the period of the Yarkand Khanate, the Uyghurs lived mainly in Southern Xinjiang - the region between the Tianshan and Kunlun ranges. During the period of the Dzungar Khanate, the Uyghurs began to settle in the valley of the Ili River, where they plowed virgin lands. But the number of Uyghurs resettled was small. In general, until the beginning of the Qing dynasty, the Uyghurs mainly lived concentrated in Southern Xinjiang, and from here they moved to other places. For example, the current Uyghurs living in Urumqi are descendants of those Uyghurs who migrated here from Turfan in 1864. At that time, a resident of Dihua (since 1955 Urumqi) Taoming (Hui by nationality) opposed the Qing rule and proclaimed the establishment of an independent government. Residents of Turfan supported the rebels and sent an armed detachment to help them in Dihua. After some time, the Kokand military leader Agub captured Dihua and Guniin (now a district of Urumqi) and organized a recruitment of recruits in Southern Xinjiang to replenish his army. Thus, many Uyghurs from Southern Xinjiang migrated to Dihua and settled permanently. In addition, already during the years of the Republic of China (1911-1949), many Uyghur traders and workers moved to Northern Xinjiang. Until now, the number of Uyghurs living in Southern Xinjiang is much larger than their number in Northern Xinjiang.

Political history of the Uyghurs

At different periods of history, the Uyghurs created their own local power structures. But they all maintained close contact with the central government of the Chinese Empire.

At the beginning of the Tang dynasty, the Uyghur ruler inherited the title of governor of the Gobi and created the Uyghur Khaganate. The Khagans (supreme rulers) received a letter of appointment and a state seal from the hands of the Chinese emperor, in addition, one of the Khagans was connected by a matrimonial union with the Tang dynasty. The rulers of the Uyghur Khaganate assisted the Tans in pacifying internal turmoil among the tribes of the Western territories and protecting the borders.

In the 10th century, three state formations existed on the territory of the Western Territories: the Gaochang Khanate, the Karakhan Khanate and the Keria State. They all paid tribute to the emperors of the Song (960-1279) and Liao (907-1125) dynasties. In the 16th - 17th centuries, close political and economic ties existed between the Yarkand Khanate in Xinjiang and the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

In 1696, Khamiya Bek Abdul, before others, spoke out against the Dzungar administration that then dominated the southern and northern spurs of the Tien Shan and announced recognition of the power of the Qing dynasty. Abdul's descendants invariably received titles and seals from the Chinese emperor, indicating recognition of their powers by the central government of China.

Thus, the ground was gradually prepared for the inclusion of the Western territories in the map of Chinese possessions. After the Qing troops defeated the troops of the Dzungar Khanate in 1755, the process of recognition of the supremacy of the central Chinese government by the leaders of the kingdoms in the Western territories accelerated. Following the example of the Han Dynasty, which established the position of viceroy "duhu" in the Western Territories, and the Tang Dynasty, which established military administrative districts in Anxi and Beiting, the Qing government established in 1762 the position of Ili Governor-General - the highest military administrative rank in the Western Territories . As for the local government in the areas inhabited by the Uyghurs, the traditional feudal-bureaucratic system of beks (feudal lords who held bureaucratic posts, inherited from father to son) was preserved, which lasted until the end of the Qing dynasty.

In the mid-19th century, the Chinese nation was experiencing a severe crisis, and class contradictions sharply worsened. Against this background, the defects of the feudal-bureaucratic system of bekship and the system of paramilitary viceroyship established in Xinjiang by the Chinese government were increasingly revealed. Peasant uprisings became more frequent, and religious leaders, taking advantage of the ensuing turmoil, began to preach for a “holy war for Islam.” From outside, Xinjiang was invaded by troops of the Central Asian Kokand Khanate (a feudal state created by the Uzbeks in the 18th century in the Fergana Valley) under the leadership of Khan Aguba (1825 - 1877). The Uzbeks captured Kashi and the southern Xinjiang region. Tsarist Russia occupied Inin (Kulja). These are troubled times for Xinjiang. Only in 1877, under the pressure of the rebellious population and the blows of the Qing troops, the interventionist government of Aguba fell, and the power of the Qing government was again restored in the Northern and Southern regions of Xinjiang, which in 1884 proclaimed Xinjiang a Chinese province.

The Uyghurs played an important role in resisting external aggressors during the period of modern history.

In the 20-30s of the 19th century, the Uyghurs repelled the armed machinations of the troops of Zhangir and Muhammad Yusup, who acted with the support of the Kokand Khan; in the 60s, the Uyghurs expelled the Russian consul of the Ili and Tarbagatai districts and Russian merchants because they grossly violated local laws and provoked incidents in which there were casualties among the local population; in the 70s, the Uyghurs repulsed the intervention of Agub Khan's troops and supported the Qing troops in restoring Chinese power in Xinjiang. They also contributed to the return of Gulja to the fold of the Motherland in 1881 from Russian occupation. During the years of the Republic of China, the Uyghurs resolutely fought against pan-Turkism and pan-Islamism, defending the unity of the motherland and national cohesion. During the years of the People's Republic of China, in particular after the formation of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, the Uyghurs acted as an important stabilizing force in the political life of China and Xinjiang.

Social life and economics

The Uighurs lead a sedentary lifestyle, their main occupation is agriculture. Most Uyghurs live in rural areas. In the mid-17th century, the Dzungars, one of the four Oirat tribes in Western Mongolia, arose. Having established their dominance in Xinjiang, the Dzungars resettled part of the Uighurs living in Southern Xinjiang to the north, to the Urumqi region, forcing them to plow virgin lands. In the past, the Uighurs grew crops extensively, without applying fertilizers, without selecting seed, without caring about restoring soil fertility, and used unlimited quantities of water from irrigation ditches for irrigation. But even under these conditions, Uyghur peasants have made considerable progress in crop production.

The Uighurs live in oases in the middle of the desert, their villages formed as they settled without a specific plan. In addition to working in the fields, villagers always plant trees and shrubs around their homes; fruit growing and melon farming are widespread. Raisins are prepared from grapes by drying them in the open air, dried fruit is made from apricots, and apricot kernels are also dried. Well-known products are Khotan peaches and walnuts, Pishan and Kargalyk pomegranates, Badan apricots, Atush figs, Kuchan apricots, Turfan seedless grapes, Kurlya pears, melons grown in Fayzabad, Megati and Shanshan, Ili apples, sea buckthorn, etc. Xinjiang is an important cotton growing region of national importance to China. The Uighurs are excellent cotton growers. Living in an arid climate with very little rainfall, the Uyghurs learned to build underground water pipelines and kariz wells, which draw water from rivers. During the years of people's power, especially during the period of reforms and open policy (since 1978), a galaxy of young specialists grew up in Xinjiang, new trends, new agro and livestock technology came to the agricultural sector, and mechanization began to be widely introduced. All this led to a new boom in agriculture in the region.

The diet of Uighur peasants is dominated by small livestock meat, dairy products and fruits. Residents of the cities work in the craft field and are engaged in petty trade. Leather production, blacksmithing, and food processing are developed among the crafts. Merchants sell fruit, cook barbecue, bake flatbreads, pies and other types of traditional food. The products of Uyghur artisans are distinguished by great elegance. Khotanese carpets and silk, miniature daggers from Yangisar, embroidered skullcaps and copper items produced in Kashi are in great demand.

Folk customs

Modern Uyghurs are very different from their ancestors: the Huihu, who believed in Manichaeism, or the Gaochang Uyghurs, who believed in Buddhism. Today the dominant religion is Islamism. At the early stage of the spread of Islam, the Uyghurs belonged to the Sufism sect, but today the majority of the population are Sunnis, in addition, there are adherents of the Yichan sect, which requires renunciation of worldly pleasures and wearing rosaries.

Marriages are concluded exclusively between supporters of the same faith; marrying a girl to someone of a different faith is strictly condemned. Marriages between relatives and early marriages occur. According to tradition, the decisive factor when choosing a groom (bride) is the will of the parents. Today, it is true that the right to marriage for love is officially recognized, but it is still believed that any decent groom should be able to present the bride’s family with a rich bride price, otherwise he will be charged with underestimating the bride’s merits. Both among the groom's gifts and the bride's dowry, a prayer rug is an indispensable attribute. The act of marriage must be confirmed by a clergyman - akhun. The newlyweds eat a flatbread soaked in water, to which salt is added, the groom's friends and the bride's friends perform dances and songs. Today, wedding celebrations last one day, but previously they lasted at least three days. According to Uyghur custom, in the event of the death of an older brother, the widow does not remain in her husband's family, but can return to her parents' home or marry someone else. But if the wife dies, then the widower can marry his sister-in-law. Uyghurs show great tolerance towards divorce and remarriage; in a divorce, the divorcing parties divide property equally among themselves. However, custom prohibits a married woman from filing for divorce on her own initiative. Although recently there have been changes here too.

The Uyghur family is based on the marital relationship of husband and wife; children who reach adulthood and start a family are separated from their parents. The youngest son continues to live in his parents’ house so that there is someone to care for the elderly and see them off on their last journey. In addition, there is a custom according to which a son, if he is the only male child in the family, is not separated from his parents. At the birth of a child, the mother remains on bed rest for 40 days. The baby is placed in a cradle, in which it is convenient to rock the child. To name a newborn, a special ceremony is held; a male child aged 5-7 years is circumcised, and this operation is timed to coincide with the odd month of the spring or autumn season. Children of both sexes, as well as the wife in the event of the death of the husband, have the right to inherit, but a daughter can inherit property in an amount that is only half the inheritance due to a son. It must be said that these customs today are no longer as absolute as they were in the past. Uighurs place great importance on maintaining relationships with relatives. Relatives are divided into direct, close and distant. But even when dealing with indirect relatives, they resort to such names as “father”, “mother”, “brother”, “sister”, etc. It is customary to provide mutual support between relatives. A personal nomination consists of a first and patronymic, without a surname, but the name of the ancestor (grandfather) is mentioned. It is the custom of the Uyghurs to honor the elderly and old, they are greeted and escorted with respect, and they give way. When greeting each other, Uighurs place the palm of their right hand to their chest.

Funeral customs involve interring the remains of the deceased. The deceased is laid with his head to the west, as a rule, for a period of no more than three days, and the akhun performs a prayer over him. Before burial, the corpse is wrapped in white cloth in several layers: three layers for men and five layers for women; in the mosque, the relatives of the deceased bring the last offerings, after which the funeral procession follows to the cemetery. A grave is dug in a quadrangular shape, most often in a cave, the deceased is laid with his head to the west, the akhun says the words of prayer, and after that the entrance to the cave is walled up. As a rule, people of other faiths are prohibited from entering the cemetery.

Today, the Uyghurs use the generally accepted calendar, but the onset of some holidays is still determined by the old calendar. The beginning of the year according to the Uyghur calendar is the Kurban holiday, and the Small New Year falls on Zhouzijie. According to Muslim custom, one month of the year must be dedicated to fasting. This month you can eat only before sunrise and after sunset. The end of Lent falls on “zhouzijie” (“kaizhaijie”). Now you can eat well. 70 days after “kaizhaijie”, the New Year (Kurban) begins, when every family slaughters a lamb, arranges a New Year’s party and goes around with congratulations to each other. During the spring solstice, they celebrate “Nuwuzhouzijie” - the arrival of spring. But this holiday does not belong to Muslim holidays, and is rarely celebrated in our time.

The architecture of the Uyghurs is marked by Arabic characteristics. Outstanding architectural monuments are the tomb of Khoja Apoka (Kashi), the Etigart Mosque, and the Imin Minaret (Turfan). Residential houses are built from wood and clay. The yard is surrounded by an adobe wall, the walls of the house, which are the main load-bearing structures, are also made of adobe, and wooden beams are placed on the edges of the walls to support the roof. In Khotan, the walls of houses are built from clay, which is kneaded with added wood chips. The roof of the house is made flat, fruits are dried on it, etc. In addition to the residential building, in the courtyard there is a grape trellis and an orchard; the house has a door, but there are no windows that are familiar to us; light enters through a window in the ceiling. Niches are made in the walls of the house where household utensils are stored, the bed is replaced by an adobe couch (kan), covered with a mat or carpet, carpets are also hung on the walls. On cold days, the house is heated by heat emanating from the wall, under which a fire is lit. Doors in a Uyghur house never face west. Uyghurs, who live in modern stone-and-brick houses, use modern furniture, but still like to decorate the room with carpets.

Uyghur cuisine is rich in a variety of dishes prepared by baking, boiling, and stewing. Spices are added to food, especially the spice “Parthian anise”, or “Zizhan” in Uyghur. The main bread product is baked flatbread made from fermented dough with added onions and butter. A popular drink is tea with milk. Uighur pilaf, whole fried lamb, sausage, pies, steamed pies with filling, crispy bagels, etc. are widely known. The most delicious dish is considered to be lamb shish kebab, seasoned with anise, salt and pepper. Uighur-style kebab has become a popular dish throughout China.

An integral part of the clothing of Uyghurs, both men and women, is a headdress; skullcaps, beautifully embroidered with gold or silver threads, are especially popular. Everyday men's clothing is a long-skirted chepan, which is sewn with wide sleeves, without a collar and without fasteners. It is worn wrapped to the side and belted with a sash. Currently, Uyghurs living in cities began to dress in a modern way, men wear jackets and trousers, women wear dresses. When choosing cosmetic creams and lipsticks, Uighur women prefer products based on natural plant materials. Developed by a Xinjiang company, Osman brand eyebrow tint has been quality tested and offered for sale in China and abroad.

Culture and art

Uyghur culture has deep roots. During the time of the Uyghur Khaganate, the Uyghurs used the Zhuni script (a Turkic language group). It is in “zhuny” that the “Moyancho” stele is written. Later, syllabic writing came into use using the letters “sutewen”; it was written vertically from top to bottom, from right to left. During the Chagatai Khanate, the Uyghurs adopted the Arabic alphabet, giving rise to a writing system called Old Uyghur. Kashgar pronunciation was considered generally accepted. The alphabet consisted of letters, written from right to left. In the 19th century they switched to modern Uyghur writing. Modern Uyghur language has 8 vowels and 24 consonants. In the 11th century, the Uyghur poet Yusup from the city of Balasaguni (Karakhan Khanate) published the didactic poem “Knowledge that Gives Happiness,” the poet Aplinchotele wrote the idyllic poem “There is such a place.” During the Chagatai period, the love poem "Laila and Matain" and the poet Abdujeim Nizari's poem "Zhebiya and Saddin" appeared. Modern Uyghur fiction and poetry developed already in the 20th century.

Colorful dance and song creativity of the Uyghurs. Even during the time of the Yarkand Khanate, the musical suite “Twelve Mukams” was created, which includes 340 fragments: ancient tunes, oral folk tales, dance music, etc. The Kash Mukam is especially large in scale, which includes 170 musical fragments and 72 pieces of instrumental music. They can be performed continuously for 24 hours. Uyghur musical instruments include the flute, trumpet, sona, balaman, sator, zheczek, dutar, tambur, zhevapa (a type of balalaika), kalun and yangqing. Percussion instruments include a leather-covered drum and a metal drum. Uyghur dances can be divided into two categories: dances accompanied by singing and dances to music. The dance style “sanem” is popular, which is distinguished by a free choice of movements, performed both by one dancer and in a pair, as well as by an entire ensemble. "Syatyana" is a cheerful dance performed by an unlimited number of artists. In this dance, the performers, raising their arms up, make turns and swings with their hands in time with the small dance steps; in addition, the performers' shoulders make characteristic movements so that the neck remains motionless. In addition, circus acts are popular: tightrope walkers walking on a steel cable suspended at a high altitude, tightrope walking with a wheel, etc. Even the Qianlong Emperor (Ding Qing) wrote with admiration about the Uighur tightrope walkers. In 1997, the Uyghur tightrope walker, a native of Kashgar, Adil Ushur crossed the Yangtze River on a steel cable, entering a record in the Guinness Book.

http://www.abirus.ru/content/564/623/624/639/11455/11458.html

Dzungars (Zungars, zengors, jungars, jungars, (Mong. zungar, calm. zүn һar) - the population of the medieval Oirat possession "zүүngar nutug" (in Russian-language literature the Dzhungar Khanate), whose descendants are now part of the European Oirats or Kalmyks, the Oirat of Mongolia, China. Sometimes identified with olets.

In the 17th century, four Oirat tribes - Zungars, Derbets, Khoshuts, Torguts - created in the west of Mongolia Derben Oirad Nutug - translated from the Kalmyk language - “Union” or “State of Four Oirat”, in the scientific world called the Dzungar Khanate (translated from the Kalmyk language “jun gar”, or “zyun gar” - “left hand”), once the left wing of the Mongol army). Therefore, all subjects of this khanate were also called Dzungars (Zungars). The territory in which it was located was (and is) called Dzungaria.

In the 17th-18th centuries, the Oirats (Dzungars), as a result of migration and military clashes with the Manchurian Qing Empire and the states of Central Asia, formed three state entities: the Dzungar Khanate in Central Asia, the Kalmyk Khanate in the Volga region, and the Kukunar Khanate in Tibet and modern China.

In 1755-1759 As a result of internal strife caused by infighting among the ruling elite of Dzungaria, one of whose representatives called for help from the troops of the Manchu Qing dynasty, this state fell. At the same time, the territory of the Dzungar Khanate was surrounded by two Manchu armies, numbering a million people, and 90 percent of the then population of Dzungaria was exterminated, incl. women, old people and children. One combined ulus - about ten thousand tents (families) of Zungars, Derbets, Khoyts, fought their way through heavy battles and reached the Volga into the Kalmyk Khanate. The remnants of some Dzungar uluses made their way to Afghanistan, Badakhshan, Bukhara, were accepted into military service by the local rulers and subsequently converted to Islam.

Currently, the Oirats (Dzungars) live in the Russian Federation (Republic of Kalmykia), China (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region), Mongolia (Western Mongolian aimaks), Afghanistan (Hazarajat).

http://ru.jazz.openfun.org/wiki/%D0%94%D0%B6%D1%83%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%8B

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• I explore the world: Countries and peoples. Asia, America, Australia, Africa, Sidorov G.A. AST Publishing House brings to the attention of readers the next volume of the children's encyclopedia “I am exploring the world.” The book 'Countries and Peoples: Asia, Africa, America, Australia' will introduce young readers to... Category:

To most foreigners, China appears to be a mono-ethnic state. Meanwhile, “Chinese” is essentially the same as “Russian”. But a Tatar, a Buryat, or a representative of any other nationality can be a Russian. There are officially 56 nationalities in China, and the Chinese government emphasizes the multinationality of its state at every opportunity. By the way, in Chinese identity cards, as before in the USSR, nationality must be indicated. This article is not even a thousandth of what could be said on this topic, but it should give you some idea of ​​the national composition of China.

The titular nation is called “Han” and makes up 92% of the total population of China. When foreigners say “Chinese,” they most often mean Han Chinese. Thus, national minorities account for 8%, which is more than 100 million people. And this is only according to official data. Many of them, for Westerners, and sometimes even for the residents of the PRC themselves, are no different from the Han Chinese. However, they are a separate people with their own culture, customs and often language. This is most noticeable in the autonomous regions, of which there are five in China:

• Guangxi Zhuang;
• Inner Mongolia;
• Ningxia Hui;
• Xinjiang Uyghur;
• Tibetan.

In addition to them, there are autonomous districts and counties that are scattered both throughout these areas and in some provinces. For example, the only autonomous region in northeastern China, Yanbian-Korean, which is part of Jilin Province, borders Russia. Ethnic Koreans live there. Most often, they are fluent in Putonghua (the official language of the People's Republic of China), but do not forget their native language and culture.

There are also many Manchus in the northeast, who began to become Sinicized in the 17th century. Ultimately, in our time, although there are more than 10 million Manchus, it is very difficult to distinguish them from the Han Chinese. Very few of them have preserved their language and culture. However, many people still consider themselves Manchus, some live in remote villages and still speak their native language. Such places are located closer to Inner Mongolia or in it itself. The Mongols, like the Koreans, were less sinicized, but at the moment their traditional way of life is gradually being destroyed. The Han people are actively populating and urbanizing an area that is larger in area than France and Germany combined.

Most national minorities are concentrated in the west and southwest of China. The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) is predominantly Uyghur, but also home to Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Kyrgyz and many other Muslim nationalities. Next to the Han Chinese in bright modern clothes, you can see a man in a turban with his wife dressed in a burqa.

Tibet is no less unique. So unique that some foreigners think it is a separate country. However, for the most diverse ethnic composition, you need to go to the provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan. It is there that the untouched settlements of various small ethnic groups with a unique culture and rare languages ​​have been preserved. In recent years, an increasing number of tourists have been flocking there to see everything with their own eyes. In addition, nature there also remains untouched. Feel free to agree if you have the opportunity to visit these places.

It is worth noting that among the 56 official nationalities of China there are Russians. The Russian population is present in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), mainly in the cities of Ghulja (Yining), Chuguchak (Tacheng) and Urumqi; in the north of Heilongjiang Province and in Argun-Yuqi City County of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Most people who come to China visit large cities, where cultural and linguistic differences blur. People flock there from all over the country, and therefore a false impression is formed about the mono-ethnic composition of the Chinese population. In addition to the occasional Uyghur cuisine and the same Uyghurs preparing kebabs in crowded places. In such places it is difficult to say how rich the ethnic composition of the PRC is.

Artem Zhdanov

China is a multinational state with officially 56 nationalities. Although, in fairness, it is worth noting that this number is considered rather arbitrary: according to the census results in 1964, 183 national minorities were registered in China, of which the government recognized only 54, joining small ethno-linguistic groups to larger ones.

Among the nationalities of China, the most numerous are the Han, making up about 91% of the total population (about 1.137 billion). The remaining 9% (about 150 million) belong to other ethnic groups, which are commonly called national minorities. These peoples are mainly concentrated in the northwest, north, northeast, south and southeast of China, while the Han are found everywhere, but the bulk of them inhabit central China - the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow, Yangtze, Zhujiang, as well as the northeastern lands. They are not only the largest ethnic group in China, but also the largest nationality in the world.

The 2000 census showed that the number of 18 of the 55 national minorities exceeds 1 million. These include the Zhuang, Manchu, Hui, Miao, Uighur, Yian, Tujiang, Mongols, Tibetans, Butian, Dungan, Yaotian, Korean, Bai, Hanians, Kazakhs, Daits and Liyans.

The other 17 nationalities number from 100 thousand to 1 million people each. These are the Sheyans, Lisuans, Gelaotians, Lahuts, Dongxiangs, Waits, Shuis, Nasians, Qiangs, Tuis, Sibotians, Mulaotians, Kirghiz, Daurs, Jingpotians, Salars and Maonans.

The most numerous people in China after the Han are the Zhuang (15.6 million people), the smallest is the Loba (about 2,300 people).

Among China's national minorities there are also Russians, whose number according to official data is about 15,000. These are mainly descendants of immigrants from Tsarist Russia who fled to the border cities in northwestern China at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The settlements of Russian immigrants in China began to be called “guihua”. Mostly Russians live in Xinjiang and Heilongjiang.

Many of the small ethnic groups live in compact, distinctive settlements and preserve their traditions and customs. One of the most ethnically diverse regions in both China and the world is Yunnan Province. At least 25 national minorities live here.

Almost every nationality has its own language and script, as well as many dialects. In total, there are 235 living languages ​​in China. The official Chinese language, taught in schools and universities and used in the media, is Putonghua (Mandarin), based on the Beijing dialect.

National affiliation is largely determined by religion. Thus, the Hui, Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Tatars, Kyrgyz, Salars, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Dungans and Baoans have professed Islam since ancient times. The Daits, Bulans and Palaungs who inhabit Yunnan province adhere to the conservative branch of Buddhism - Theravada, which came here from Burma and Thailand. Taoism and Buddhism are common among the Han Chinese. Among the Miao, Yao and Yi, adherents of shamanism, there are both Protestants and Catholics, and the Tibetan peoples (Tibetans, Mongols, Loba, Menbai, Tui, Yellow Uighurs) profess Tibetan Buddhism, which is commonly called Lamaism in the West.

Below is a table with the number of nationalities in China according to the results of the 2000 census.

China is a country with its own unique and wonderful culture. More than a million people come here every year to admire its beauty. Travelers choose this state not only to look at the greatest buildings of China, but also to get acquainted with the culture of the people.

The Celestial Empire (as this country is often called) is home to many nations. Because of this, traditions, everyday life, and lifestyle acquire new motives. Although more than 90% of the population are indigenous Chinese, they readily accept changes in their culture, easily allowing other nations into life.

There are minorities in China who speak their own dialect. At the moment, many people speak various Chinese dialects that differ from the generally accepted norms; there are about 300 of them, including Jurchen (one of

China

Known throughout the world for its tourist sites. Travelers are attracted by rural views that gradually give way to city skyscrapers. Landscapes are the first reason why there are so many foreigners here. They can surprise not only experienced tourists, but also the most inexperienced ones.

In ancient times, the people of China considered their homeland to be the center of the whole world. Those nations who lived on the border of the country were called barbarians. They were often subject to repression and discrimination.

Residents have great respect for books, scientists and various knowledge. All businessmen must have business cards with text printed in Chinese and English. The Chinese are characterized by savings, so they quickly and easily accumulate huge capital.

Geography of the People's Republic of China

China is a country located in eastern Asia. It borders on 15 states. The territory is washed by the South China, Yellow and East China seas. It must be said that the Celestial Empire has a sufficient number of mountains. Only 30% of the total is below sea level. In addition to the hills, there are bodies of water. They are famous for their properties as well as their beautiful views. Many rivers are used for shipping, fishing and irrigation. Minerals such as oil, coal, ore, manganese, zinc, lead, etc. are mined here.

China on the map is conventionally divided into two parts: eastern (located in East Asia) and western (located in Central Asia). This country's possessions include Taiwan and Hainan. These islands are the largest.

History of the country

After the formation of the Republic of China, the first ruling dynasty was the Shang. After some time, she was replaced by the Zhou tribe. Subsequently, the territory was divided into several parts, for which wars were constantly fought. It was because of them that a multi-kilometer wall was erected to protect against the gunas. The heyday of the state coincided with the period of the Han Dynasty. At that time, China already occupied a significant place on the map, having expanded its borders to the south and west.

Almost immediately after the conquest of Taiwan (which is still a colony of the country), the state became a republic. This happened in 1949. The government constantly carried out various cultural reforms, and also tried to change the economic sphere. China's ideology has changed.

Chinese as a nation

The Chinese are a nation inhabiting the People's Republic of China. In terms of their numbers, they deservedly took first place. call themselves "Han". This name came about due to the fact that it was able to unite the entire territory of the state under one government. In ancient times, the word "Han" meant "Milky Way". This is due to the fact that the people of China called their country the Celestial Empire.

The largest number of Han Chinese are found in China. More than 1 billion people live here. They also make up almost 98% of the total population of Taiwan. It is safe to say that the Chinese inhabit absolutely all districts and municipalities.

The USA, Canada, Australia are the states that currently lead in terms of the number of Chinese diaspora. Over the past 5 years, almost 40 million Han Chinese have moved to these countries.

Peoples inhabiting China

According to official data, representatives of 56 nations live in the Republic of China. Due to the fact that the Chinese occupy more than 92% of the population, the remaining nationalities are divided into minorities. The number of such people in the country greatly exceeds the figure announced by the government.

In the south of the country, residents speak northern. However, it is worth noting that they still belong to the Han group.

Main peoples of China:

• Chinese (Han, Huizu, Bai);
• Tibeto-Burman (Tujia, Yi, Tibetans, etc.);
• Thai (Zhuang, Bui, Dong, etc.);
• Kadai (Gelao);
• whether peoples;
• Miao-Yao peoples (Miao, Yao, She);
• Mon-Khmer (Wa, Bulan, Jing, etc.);
• Mongolian (Mongols, Dongxiang, Tu, etc.);
• Turkic (Uighurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, etc.);
• Tungus-Manchu (Manchus, Sibos, Evenks, etc.):
• Taiwanese (Gaoshan);
• Indo-European (Pamir Tajiks, Russians).

State culture

The culture of the Chinese people goes back to ancient times. It began to emerge even before our era. There are legends that the gods passed on certain principles of life and way of life to the Chinese. In the history of the Celestial Empire, colossal changes in culture can be traced over several centuries.

The main myths of the state, known today, tell the story that Pangu created the whole world, Nuwa created humanity, Shen Nun was able to discover special medicinal plants, and Qiang Ze became the father of writing.

Since ancient times, the architecture of China has had a powerful influence on the structures of Vietnam, Japan and Korea.

Standard houses have a maximum of two floors. In cities, modern buildings have acquired a Western look over time, while in villages the original design of residential buildings is preserved.

Traditions of the Chinese people

Many traditions are associated with etiquette, ceremonies, and gifts. It was they who gave birth to some proverbs that have spread throughout the world.

In order to feel comfortable in this country, you need to know the basic rules of this nation:

• A handshake is a respectful gesture used by the Chinese when greeting foreigners.
• Knives, scissors and other cutting objects should never be given as gifts. They mean a break in the relationship. Apart from these, it is better not to give a watch, a scarf, flowers, or straw sandals. These things mean imminent death for the Chinese people.
• People don’t eat with forks here, so you should get used to eating with special chopsticks.
• Gifts should be opened at home, not immediately upon receipt.
• Tourists are not recommended to wear brightly colored clothing. You should choose those things that are made in pastel colors. This is explained by the fact that the people of China have a bad attitude towards this type of self-expression.

Attractions

The main attraction that has been preserved since ancient times is the Great Wall of China. It was built in the 3rd century BC. At that time, its length was almost 5 thousand km, its height varied from 6 to 10 m.

Beijing is home to other important architectural structures that are popular among tourists. Most of them were built in the XV-XIX centuries. Shanghai is rich in temples, the decoration of which is made of precious stone. The center of Lamaism is Lhasa. The people of China love another cultural heritage - the monastery in which the residence of the Dalai Lama was located.

Some mountains (Huangshan), caves (Mogao), Victoria Port, the Li River and the Forbidden City are also considered attractions. Ancient Buddhist buildings are common.