Amannisahan (1526–1560) was the wife of the second ruler of the Yarkand Khanate, Raxid Khan. She was not only an exceptionally talented musician and poet but also the compiler and inheritor of the Uyghur classical music Twelve Muqam, making an indelible contribution to the preservation and development of Uyghur musical culture.Born in 1526, Amannisahan grew up in Xahetata Village, Shache County (today's Xapituwuk Village, Kalasu Township, Shache County), a small village by the Tarim River. Her father, Mahmut, had been a court musician of the Yarkand Khanate but was later exiled to this place due to court struggles. Amannisahan was exceptionally intelligent from a young age. After her mother's death when she was 8, she followed her father to learn music and poetry, showing extraordinary artistic talent. Under her father's influence, she not only learned to play various musical instruments but also began to compose poetry and lyrics.In 1539, Raxid Khan, the king of the Yarkand Khanate, came to Amannisahan's village in disguise as a commoner for hunting. By chance, he heard Amannisahan playing the Panji Muqam and was deeply moved by her talent. Her lyrics not only expressed respect for the king but also reflected the voices of the people, which earned Raxid Khan's great admiration. Eventually, Raxid Khan brought Amannisahan into the palace, where she became his wife.After entering the palace, Amannisahan did not indulge in the luxurious life of the court. Instead, she devoted most of her time to collecting and creating folk music. She visited numerous folk artists and collected scattered Muqam melodies from various places. Despite the strict Islamic religious restrictions on women at the time, which posed many challenges, Amannisahan, with her firm belief and the support of Raxid Khan, ultimately completed the compilation and standardization of the Twelve Muqam.She categorized and organized the originally fragmented and complex Muqam melodies, removing overly religious content and incorporating more lyrics and melodies that resonated with everyday life. Thanks to her efforts, the Twelve Muqam became a scientific, systematic, and rigorous collection of musical works, hailed as a treasure of Uyghur music.Amannisahan's contribution to Uyghur musical culture is immense. The Twelve Muqam, which she compiled, not only became more accessible and relevant to the people but also an essential part of the Uyghur people's spiritual and cultural heritage. In 2005, the Twelve Muqam was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a testament to its significance in world culture.Amannisahan's achievements extend beyond music; she was also an outstanding poet whose works are filled with love for life and a longing for freedom. Her talents and contributions have made her one of the most remarkable women in Uyghur history.The portrait of Amannisahan was created by the renowned painter Hazi Ahmat. This work is a heartfelt tribute to this great woman. The oil painting, done on paper, features a vivid and moving portrayal of Amannisahan, showcasing her strong vitality. The use of color and brushwork reflects the distinct artistic style of the Uyghur people. Hazi Ahmat not only accurately depicted Amannisahan's appearance but also elevated her image through artistic expression, making her an eternal symbol of Uyghur culture.

Files with SHA256: 0e932b261aec6c3a63c7c1e583e64265c4f7689f2ffe8d15023842f0d3a280b1