Christianity in Xinjiang: Historical and Contemporary Overview

Abstract

Although the religious identity of the Uyghur people in China has traditionally been closely tied to Islam, in recent years the phenomenon of Uyghurs embracing Christianity has drawn researchers' attention. Because this process is very rare and socially sensitive, its emergence is linked to broad-scale changes in contemporary Chinese society, such as religious diversity, urbanization, migration, and cultural interaction.

The experience of Uyghurs converting to Christianity is of particular scholarly significance in the context of China's strict state religious policy, the role of Islam in shaping Uyghur ethnic identity, and the strength of communal control. Conversion is seen not merely as a change of religious belief, but as a complex socio-cultural phenomenon that also impacts social status, ethnic identity, and relationships within the community.

This study identifies the political, social, and personal factors that influence Uyghurs' adoption of Christianity and analyzes the impact of this process on ethnic identity and religious policy. The research findings provide deeper insight into the complexity of religious transformations in China.