Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture

Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture is an autonomous prefecture in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. It is located in the western part of Xinjiang, bordering Kazakhstan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the southwest, and Tajikistan to the south. The prefecture covers an area of approximately 268,000 square kilometers and is home to a diverse population of various ethnic groups, including Kazakhs, Uyghurs, Han Chinese, and others.

Geography

Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture is situated in the northwest of the Tian Shan mountain range, with the Dzhayl Mountains to the west and the Transhimalayas to the south. The Ili River, a major tributary of the Syr Darya, flows through the prefecture and provides fertile land for agriculture. The terrain is varied, with mountains, valleys, and plains, and the climate is continental, with cold winters and warm summers. The prefecture is also home to several natural attractions, including the Kaidu River and the Kizil Kum Desert.

History

The region has a long and complex history, with various empires and dynasties vying for control over the area. The Silk Road, a major trade route between China and Central Asia, passed through the prefecture, bringing significant economic and cultural exchange. In the 19th century, the Russian Empire exerted influence over the region, and it was later incorporated into the Republic of China. After the Chinese Civil War, the prefecture became part of the People's Republic of China and was established as an autonomous prefecture in 1954.

Administrative divisions

Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture is divided into 11 county-level subdivisions, including 8 counties, 2 county-level cities, and 1 Korgas Kazakh Autonomous County. The county-level cities are Yining City and Kulja City, while the counties include Yining County, Huocheng County, and Tokkuztara County, among others.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture was approximately 2.8 million people. The prefecture is home to a diverse population, with Kazakhs making up around 30% of the population, followed by Uyghurs (around 20%), Han Chinese (around 40%), and other ethnic groups.

Economy

The economy of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture is primarily driven by agriculture, with major crops including cotton, wheat, and corn. The prefecture is also rich in natural resources, including coal, iron ore, and chromium. In recent years, the prefecture has seen significant investment in infrastructure, including the construction of the Korgas–Yining Railway and the Yining Airport.

Culture

Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture is home to a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of Kazakh culture, Uyghur culture, and Chinese culture. The prefecture is known for its traditional Kazakh music and Uyghur dance, as well as its unique cuisine, which includes dishes such as plov and shashlik. The prefecture is also home to several cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture Cultural Festival and the Xinjiang International Folk Arts Festival. Category:Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture