Background and history
The doppa (Uyghur:دوپپا) is a skullcap traditionally worn by the Uyghur people. It is a symbol of Uyghur identity and history,with written records attesting to its widespread use among Uyghurs of all ages and genders dating back to at least the 19th century. [1] : 5
The Uyghur Doppa Cultural Festival was conceived of in 2009 [c] by Tahir Imin (تاھىرئىمىن),a Uyghur activist from Ürümqi who had been imprisoned twice for his religious activities. [2] It is a day meant to celebrate Uyghur culture and history,with the wearing of a doppa acting as a symbol of both. [1] : 1
The Chinese government was initially supportive of the festival. The inaugural celebration of the festival in Ürümqi in 2009 was broadcast nationally by the state-run China Central Television (CCTV) from Beijing. [2] The state-run China Minzu News praised a spontaneous musical performance on 7 May 2010 by Uyghur students at Beijing Normal University who were celebrating the festival after classes. [3] Similarly,the state-run China Daily celebrated Uyghurs' observance of the festival in the Chinese-majority city of Karamay in 2012. [4] Additionally,in the previous year,the government of Kashgar Prefecture had organized a seminar on the festival in Yarkant County (Shache County). [2] However,following the commencement of Chinese authorities' "Strike Hard Campaign Against Violent Terrorism" campaign in 2014,the festival is no longer observed in China. [1] : 2
