Under the shade of a century-old willow tree in Makit County, Xinjiang, a familiar yet timeless melody fills the air. This is the Dolan Muqam—a rhythmic tapestry woven by Uygur ancestors and carried forward by proud performers.
Imagine an 88-year-old master, fingers dancing over the dutar (a two-stringed lute) and voice rich with decades of history. His eyes light up as he guides his young student through each beat and breath, ensuring that every note, trill, and pause holds the stories of generations.
"It’s more than music," he says with a gentle smile. "It’s the heartbeat of our people." And in that moment, you can almost feel the wind rustling through the willow leaves, echoing the same melody that once echoed in ancient courtyards.
For centuries, the Dolan Muqam has been the soundtrack of weddings, harvest celebrations, and everyday life across the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Its unique blend of vocals, percussion, and string instruments creates a hypnotic rhythm that can transport listeners across time and space.
Today, as younger performers step forward, they don’t just learn a song—they inherit a living legacy. Through late-night practice sessions and community gatherings, they forge a bond that transcends age, reminding everyone that culture thrives when it’s shared.
So next time you feel the beat drop in your favorite track, remember: somewhere beneath an ancient willow, an 88-year-old master and his student are keeping a centuries-old tradition alive—one note at a time. 🎵🌳
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
