The origin of Dongxiang nationality

In Gansu Province, the northwest border of China, there is another ethnic minority named Dongxiang, which is one of the three unique ethnic minorities in Gansu Province. There are currently more than 600,000 people. So how did this Dongxiang nationality originate? What is his history? Let's take a look at this issue of national culture with me.

Dongxiang nationality name

Dongxiang nationality is named after living in Dongxiang, Hezhou (now Linxia). Before the founding of New China, it was not recognized as a single minority, and was often called "Dongxiang Hui" or "Mongolian Hui". This is because Dongxiang nationality is very similar to northwest Hui nationality in life customs and religious beliefs, and is often classified as Hui nationality in historical documents.

The origin of Dongxiang nationality

The Hmong Semu said: This statement mainly comes from the legend of Dongxiang nationality. It is said that the ancestors of Dongxiang nationality are Salta people in Central Asia and West Asia. They came to settle in Dongxiang nationality area when Genghis Khan's Mongolian army came back, and merged with the local Han and Mongolian people, gradually forming Dongxiang nationality. So Dongxiang people call themselves "Salta".

The Mongols said: Dongxiang nationality is a descendant of the Mongolian army who stayed in Hezhou area during Genghis Khan's Western Expedition, and gradually changed from a "soldier" to a "civilian". Legend has it that during Genghis Khan's period, many Mongolian troops were stationed in Hezhou area, and most of them were later transferred, but a few remained in Dongxiang area. Later, Islam was introduced from the northwest and arrived in Hezhou through Qinghai and Xunhua. Most local Mongolians also converted to Islam and developed into Dongxiang nationality.

Mongolian theory 2: Dongxiang nationality is a descendant of Mongols and a part of Wokuotai khanate in Yuan Dynasty. At that time, these Mongols converted to Islam because of the influence of the surrounding Islamic nationalities, which led to conflicts with the Mongols who originally believed in Buddhism. They were regarded as religious traitors and were forced to move eastward. They moved inland through the Gorilla Canyon and arrived in Fan Zhen (now Minqin County, Gansu Province).

The theory of ethnic integration: the theory of multi-ethnic integration. According to this theory, Dongxiang nationality is mainly the Hui nationality in Dongxiang area, which has developed through the long-term integration of Mongolian, Han and Tibetan. The main components of its national origin are Semu people who believe in Islam and Mongolian ancients. Since13rd century, Hezhou area has been the place where Mongolian troops, including Semu people and Mongolian ancients, have been stationed and settled.