In northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, the spirit of unity and mutual care shines through in festive gatherings and in the remarkable story of a mother who adopted children from various ethnic backgrounds.

Unity through feasting

The Haerdun community of Xinjiang's Tacheng city held its 10th annual "Hundred-Family Feast" on Sept. 27. Residents from various ethnic groups presented 26 traditional dishes, including Uygur pilaf, naan bread and Kazakh fried dough. The meal concluded with an assortment of pastries and desserts.

Tacheng, known as a vibrant melting pot of ethnic diversity, is home to 29 different groups, including Han, Kazakh, Uygur, Hui and Mongolian. Among its 330,000 households, 11,000 are multicultural, with some families having members from more than 10 ethnicities.

Residents perform a Uygur dance during the "Hundred-Family Feast" held in the Haerdun community of Tacheng city, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Ayinuer, a Uygur participant, expressed her delight at the event. "The atmosphere is so warm and lively. We wear our traditional attire, share our ethnic cuisines and exchange happy family stories. As we feast, we even start dancing together, which fills us with joy," she said.

Ayinuer's family represents a microcosm of Tacheng's multicultural essence, with members from five ethnicities: Uygur, Han, Hui, Tatar and Uzbek. For decades, they've celebrated major holidays like the Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Eid al-Adha together.

Ayixia Simake (second from left) and her volunteer team members pose for a photo during the "Hundred-Family Feast" held in the Haerdun community of Tacheng city, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Ayixia Simake, 68, a Kazakh woman who founded the Red Cross "Loving Mothers" Volunteer Team in 2008, was among the feast's participants. Her team of 40 mothers from six ethnic groups, including Han, Uygur and Kazakh, focuses on charity work. They provide gloves and milk tea to sanitation workers in winter and deliver food to nursing home residents.

"We've faced challenges, but through our shared resolve, we always manage to overcome them," Ayixia said.

This year's feast drew more than 300 people from 14 ethnic groups and included 14 cultural performances. The Haerdun community regularly hosts multicultural events such as singing, dancing and calligraphy competitions, bringing joy to local residents.

Unity through a mother's love

Anipa Alimahong poses for a photo with her daughter and granddaughter in Qinghe county, Xinjiang, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Anipa Alimahong, born in 1939 in Xinjiang's Qinghe county, embodies a remarkable tale of love and inclusion. Since 1963, she and her husband have adopted 10 orphans from various ethnic backgrounds — Han, Uygur, Kazakh and Hui — in addition to raising their nine biological children. The couple persevered through economic challenges to support their large family.

To feed her family of over 20, Anipa bought a 1.2-meter diameter iron pot, called the "unity pot" by her children. Her resourcefulness extended beyond cooking; when they couldn't afford electric lights, she fashioned oil lamps from old cotton, ensuring her children could study at night.

Despite advice to send the adopted children to welfare institutions, Anipa kept them all. She raised them with dedication, seeing them grow up and start their own families. Today, her family spans four generations, includes six ethnicities and has over 200 members.

Anipa's unwavering love and commitment earned her recognition as one of the Top 10 People Who Moved China in 2009. Reflecting on her journey, Anipa said, "I never found it difficult to raise these children. Watching them grow has only brought me happiness."

Anipa's biological daughter, Kalima Abibao, speaks with China.org.cn in Qinghe county, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Anipa's biological daughter, Kalima Abibao, recalled, "Growing up, we didn't have much. When one of my adopted sisters was weak, my mother always gave her the best food. At the time, I didn't understand, but gradually, I saw that we were all equally loved and felt quite close to one another." Kalima now sponsors a student, continuing her mother's tradition of helping others.

Festivals bring Anipa's entire family together. Zumulati Aben, whose father was adopted by Anipa, said, "We visit our grandmother often and have even taught her to use a smartphone for video calls." He added, "Grandma always encourages us to help others, study hard and work diligently."

These stories stand as a testament to the unity in Xinjiang. As often said, like the seeds of a pomegranate tightly held together, people of various ethnicities in Xinjiang embrace their differences while fostering a deep sense of belonging and love for one another.

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