The Uyghurs are a Turkic people living mainly in north-western China. Their origins trace back to Turkic nomads who lived in Siberia. They gained independence from the Turks in 744 AD, but were forced to leave their homeland in 840 AD. It was then that most of them migrated to Western China, where they now live in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. China uses the name "Xinjiang" to refer to the Uyghur region. The Uyghurs themselves, however, prefer to use the name "East Turkestan" to refer to the region where they have lived for centuries. These names have deep meanings. The Chinese name implies that it is part of China, while East Turkestan implies its isolation and emphasises their Turkic roots. "Uyghur" literally means "ally." For centuries, the Uighurs have been an important link between China and the rest of the world. They lived along the legendary Silk Road and worked as caravan drivers transporting Chinese goods. The strategic location of their homes allowed them to be "intermediaries" between East Asia and Europe.
Central Asian Uighurs play an important role in the lives of Chinese Uighurs who are fighting for freedom. For example, they often help smuggle needed materials into China. In China, there is evidence of strong animosity, resentment and mistrust between the Uighurs and the predominant Han population. Many Uyghurs have left China in search of better opportunities and greater freedom for themselves and their children because of systemic discrimination by the Han majority. This oppression has become even more severe in recent decades due to the Chinese government's plan to increase its control over Xinjiang's territory and resources. Uyghurs who have escaped Chinese persecution have been victimised by Chinese spies in their new countries.
