The colors of Xinjiang (5)

Wandering through various mosques in Xinjiang, the color that most frequently leaps to the eye is green. Emerald pillars, viridescent domes, lime green carpets - the soothing color emits a vibe of peace, tranquility and joy.

Home to more than 24,000 mosques, religion is a major reason why Xinjiang has become an illuminated stage for the cameras of the world in the era of 24-hour news. Alas, when it comes to religion in Xinjiang, the truth, in many aspects, is often much less important than the myth. For Muslims living in Xinjiang, religion is like a two-way mirror revealing their inner lives while reflecting the outside world’s opinions of them. But like the mirrors in a funhouse, the reflections are sometimes distorted, often freakish.

Can celestial dignity and terrestrial joy coexist in harmony? What role does religion play in Xinjiang people’s daily lives? What does religion mean to them in the modern world? How can they balance their religious and daily lives? It is only by hearing the locals’ stories that we can avoid the temptation to address those questions through the obsessions of prejudice. 

People’s Daily Online has launched “The Colors of Xinjiang”, a series of in-depth reports that will provide our readers a complete and vivid picture of Xinjiang. The following story focuses on Xinjiang’s religious freedom.

For more stories about Xinjiang's religious freedom: Journey of faith: meeting Xinjiang’s Muslims