In the vast cultural tapestry of Asia, few traditions resonate as deeply as the Uygur Muqam – a centuries-old art form intertwining poetry, music, and dance. CGTN Digital’s new documentary series Chasing Muqam follows host Nadim Diab on an enigmatic quest through northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to unravel this living heritage.
The journey begins with a cryptic invitation hinting at a performance challenge. Diab, known for immersive cultural explorations from Peking Opera training to crafting region-inspired coffee blends, now faces his most abstract mission yet: capturing the essence of Muqam through firsthand experience.
‘Muqam isn’t just art – it’s the rhythm of our history,’ explains local musician Ablimit Hasan in the premiere episode. As Diab navigates Urumqi’s bustling markets and attends intimate community gatherings, viewers gain insight into how this UNESCO-recognized tradition survives through grassroots preservation efforts.
The series’ first installment raises compelling questions about cultural continuity in modern Asia. How do traditional art forms adapt to contemporary life? What role do individual practitioners play in safeguarding intangible heritage? Through Diab’s cross-cultural perspective, Chasing Muqam offers a human-centered narrative appealing to cultural explorers and academic audiences alike.
