In the sunbaked towns of southern Xinjiang, an ancient musical legacy pulses through daily life as local artists preserve the Uygur Muqam tradition. CGTN's documentary series Chasing Muqam spotlights this living heritage through intimate portraits of musicians in Shache and Makit County.
Shache: Where Roots Run Deep
Known as the birthplace of the Twelve Muqam system, Shache hosts rehearsals where farmer-musicians in their seventies demonstrate unwavering dedication. Their weathered hands pluck dutar strings with youthful vigor, passing down melodies that have defined Uygur identity for centuries. "For us, Muqam isn't performance – it's our shared breath," one artist explains between verses.
Makit's Desert Symphony
Two hours northwest, Dolan Muqam emerges as the desert's answer to Shache's structured compositions. Here, musicians channel the Taklamakan's raw energy through thunderous drumbeats and soaring vocals. The unrestrained style, performed at weddings and community gatherings, showcases Muqam's adaptive spirit while maintaining its cultural core.
Both traditions face modern challenges, but as young apprentices join rehearsals and regional festivals gain recognition, these art forms continue evolving – proof that cultural heritage remains vibrant when rooted in community practice.
