The Tarikh-i Hamidi: A Late-Qing Uyghur History

The Tarikh-i Ḥamidi is an epic and tragic history from Xinjiang, northwest China, chronicling a mass rebellion by the Muslim-majority Uyghur people against the Qing empire. Written by Musa Sayrami, an eyewitness to the rebellion, it explores the relationship between Qing and Islamic power and offers a unique perspective on China, Eurasia, and the world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 520 pages
Publication date: 25 July 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The Tarikh-i Ḥamidi, an epic and tragic history from the region of Xinjiang in northwest China, is a captivating tale that unfolds the homeland of the Muslim-majority Uyghur people. Written in the early twentieth century, this remarkable work chronicles a massive rebellion by the Muslims of Xinjiang against the China-based Qing empire, spanning from its inception in 1864 to the Qing reconquest of 1877 and its aftermath. The author of this extraordinary narrative, Musa Sayrami, had the privilege of being an eyewitness to and a participant in the rebellion, which ultimately led to the formation of an emirate under the leadership of the Central Asian military commander Yaʿqub Beg. Sayrami's account vividly captures the initial optimism of the rebels, as they bravely rose up to demand justice and equality. However, the story takes a somber turn as the rebellion's leaders succumbed to hubris, resulting in tragic consequences.

Yaʿqub Beg's state, initially offering hope for an Islamic rule, proved to be a flawed ruler, and the Qing eventually reclaimed the region. The narrative alternates between dramatic scenes of battles and intrigue, interspersed with colorful legends and profound reflections on the nature of politics. Sayrami's writing not only serves as a means to preserve events that were gradually fading from memory three decades after the uprising but also delves into the underlying reasons behind the failure of the Islamic rebellion. Drawing upon traditional Islamic scholarship, he offers an insightful analysis of the complex relationship between Qing and Islamic power, presenting a compelling argument about politics and empire.

The Tarikh-i Ḥamidi offers a unique and profound perspective on China, Eurasia, and the world, presenting a distinctly Uyghur viewpoint. It stands as a cornerstone of Uyghur writing, providing invaluable insights into a period of immense flux and transformation. Through its pages, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complex tapestry of history, culture, and identity that defines the Uyghur people and their remarkable journey.

Weight: 864g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231210027