The real Xinjiang: Through the eyes of Turkish journalists

By Zhang Andi

The media trip "Xinjiang: Always More to Discover," hosted by the Office of the Xinjiang Cyberspace Affairs Commission and GMW.CN, was successfully held in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, from Aug. 7 to Aug. 14, 2024. Journalists from eight major Turkish media outlets ventured into the heart of Xinjiang, China, witnessing firsthand the region’s vibrant cultural mosaic and rapid modernization. Their experiences provided them with a new perspective, one that sharply contrasts with the common narratives and misinformation prevalent in Western media.

A Region of Cultural Diversity

Exploring Xinjiang, the journalists found themselves immersed in a living tapestry of cultures that have coexisted for millennia. Erdal Emre, Head of News at Yön Radio, marveled at the historical depth, describing cities steeped in over 2,000 years of history, where traditions from Buddhism, Islam, and various ethnic groups intertwine. Tunç Akkoç, Editor in Chief of HARİCİ observed, “Xinjiang is truly a multicultural region where different languages, religions, and ethnic groups coexist. Uyghur, Hui, Tajik, Kazakh, and even Russian people live side by side, preserving their unique cultural practices while identifying as Chinese.”

The journalists were particularly struck by the way these ethnic groups maintain their traditions, from language and clothing to religious practices, creating a vibrant and harmonious community. Adnan Bulut, General Coordinator of Anka News Agency shared his conversation with a religious leader in Urumqi, who confirmed that mosques were open and religious freedoms were respected.

Economic Growth and Modernization

The rapid economic growth in Xinjiang also caught the journalists by surprise. Mustafa Birol Güger, Editor in Chief of the CUMHURİYET Website, arrived expecting to find a remote, underdeveloped region, but instead discovered sprawling, bustling cities with dynamic social lives. Ibrahim Varlı, Editor in Chief of BİRGÜN, noted the youthful energy on Xinjiang's streets.

Their visits to advanced agricultural and industrial sites left a deep impression. Varlı marveled at the large-scale greenhouse operations, particularly the innovative soilless cultivation techniques. “I’ve never seen anything like this on such a large scale. It’s astonishing.”

Bridging Understanding

The journalists quickly recognized a vast gap between the reality they observed and how Xinjiang is often portrayed in Western media. Tunç Akkoç emphasized that the misinformation largely stems from a lack of direct experience.

The journalists underscored the importance of sharing their insights to bridge this knowledge gap. Birol stressed the need for visuals to help people in Turkey understand Xinjiang better. Erdal added, “The more Turkish people know about Xinjiang, the more they'll appreciate its cultural richness.”

As their journey came to an end, the journalists agreed on one thing: the true Xinjiang—vibrant, diverse, and thriving—needs to be seen and experienced to be understood. They hope that sharing these firsthand accounts will spark greater awareness and appreciation for Xinjiang, bringing the region’s beauty and complexity into sharper focus for audiences far beyond its borders.