Slideshow Turghun Kashgari plays Uyghur Duttar music. (Contributed photo) Aygul Memet, shown doing flame acrobatics on Canada's "Got Talent," will perform at the Museum on Main celebration. (Photo by Rogers Media Photo) This Uyghur dance group will share its culture at the Celebrate Community Uyghur Nowruz Family Day on March 21. (Contributed photo) Dr. Erkin Sidick. (Contributed photo) Previous Next

This spring, Museum on Main is celebrating the Uyghur culture, partnering with the local community to raise awareness of its existence here and its struggles against China.

Uyghurs are ethnically and culturally a Turkic people living in the heart of Asia, on the fabled ancient Silk Road, occupied by China since 1949. The Turkic-speaking Uyghurs, who have inhabited the area for almost 4,000 years, are under threat by China as it opposes its centuries-old traditions.

"We feel very fortunate to be a part of a diverse community here in Pleasanton, and each year we try to highlight that diversity with our Celebrate Community partnerships and programs," said Sarah Schaefer, the museum's director of education. "This year we are honored to be spotlighting the local Uyghur community and helping to raise awareness of the plight of the Uyghur communities in East Turkistan."

The following free programs will be held:

* MoM's Toddler Reading Time with Uyghur Nowruz, ushering in of the new year, a spring festival: 10 a.m. this Wednesday (March 11).