Kashgar

Kashgar
source
Name	Kashgar
Native name	قەشقەر
Settlement type	Prefecture-level city
Coordinates	39, 28, N, 75...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	China
Subdivision type1	Autonomous region
Subdivision name1	Xinjiang
Leader title	CCP Secretary
Leader name	Zhang Hongbing
Area total km2	162000
Population total	4,500,000
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	China Standard Time
Utc offset	+8

Kashgar. It is a major oasis city in the far west of China, serving as the administrative center of Kashgar Prefecture within the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Strategically positioned near the borders with Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan, it has been a pivotal hub on the Silk Road for over two millennia. The city is renowned for its rich Uyghur culture, historic Kashgar Old City, and the sprawling Sunday Bazaar.

History

Kashgar's history as a vital trading post dates to the Han dynasty, when it was known as Shule and was a key node connecting China with Central Asia and the Mediterranean. It was contested by various empires, including the Tang dynasty, the Tibetan Empire, and the Kara-Khanid Khanate, which brought Islam to the region in the 10th century. The city later fell under the control of the Mongol Empire and the Chagatai Khanate. In the 19th century, it became the capital of the Kashgaria state under Yaqub Beg before being incorporated into the Qing dynasty following the Reconquest of Xinjiang by Zuo Zongtang. In the 20th century, it was a focal point during the Xinjiang Wars and the establishment of the First East Turkestan Republic.

Geography and climate

The city is situated at the western end of the Tarim Basin, where the Kunlun Mountains and the Pamir Mountains converge, with the Taklamakan Desert to the east. It lies at the confluence of the Kashgar River and the Gez River, which provide crucial water for the extensive oasis. Kashgar features a cold desert climate, classified as BWk, with long, hot summers and chilly, dry winters. Precipitation is minimal, averaging less than 100 millimeters annually, and the area is prone to dust storms originating from the Taklamakan Desert.

Demographics and culture

Kashgar is a cultural heartland for the Uyghur people, who constitute the majority of the population, alongside smaller numbers of Han Chinese, Kyrgyz, and Tajiks. The primary language is Uyghur, and the predominant religion is Islam. The city's cultural landmarks include the iconic Id Kah Mosque, one of the largest mosques in China, and the ornate Tomb of Afaq Khoja. Traditional crafts such as Uyghur cooking, dutar instrument-making, and Uyghur Muqam music are preserved here. The vibrant Sunday Bazaar and the Kashgar Old City are central to its social and commercial life.

Economy

Historically centered on Silk Road trade, Kashgar's modern economy remains based on agriculture, commerce, and light industry. It is a major producer of cotton, wheat, corn, fruit, and melons. The city is famous for its handicrafts, including carpets, silverware, and traditional doppa caps. In recent decades, it has become a focal point for economic development under China's Belt and Road Initiative, with significant investment in infrastructure and the establishment of the Kashgar Special Economic Zone to promote cross-border trade with Central Asia and South Asia.

Transport

Kashgar is a critical transport junction for western China. It is served by Kashgar Railway Station, a terminus for the Southern Xinjiang Railway and a key node on the China–Pakistan Railway corridor. Kashgar Airport offers domestic flights to cities like Ürümqi and Beijing, as well as international connections to Islamabad and Bishkek. Major highways include the G314 and the Karakoram Highway, which links it to Pakistan via the Khunjerab Pass. The city's internal transport network includes extensive bus routes and taxis.

Administration and politics

Kashgar is a prefecture-level city under the administration of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The city proper is divided into one district, Kashgar, and governs several counties, including Shufu and Shule. As in all of Xinjiang, the political structure is led by the Chinese Communist Party, with a CCP Secretary overseeing affairs. The city hosts significant military and security presence, including the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and is a central location for the government's policies in the region. Category:Cities in Xinjiang Category:Silk Road Category:Oases