Family of multi-nationalities reflects Uygur-Han harmony

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-07-12 17:58

Like all the newlywed couples, Sarim and Zhang came to learn the arts of concessions in family life. "We do quarrel now and then, but the differences never arise from our family backgrounds. I respect her living habits and customs, and vice versa."

The couple mainly follows Uygur holidays, but when the Han festivals like Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Day arrive, they will visit Zhang's family members.

Like most Chinese families, Zhang takes up the family chores, while her husband makes the final decisions on big issues like housing or their daughter's education. But Zhang says: "He is not a man of chauvinism. He cooks dishes very well, like chicken, noodles and fish."

Language is another obstacle that they have overcome. Although Sarim speaks Chinese very well, Zhang is learning Uygur under his help. "She can speak Uygur fairly well, if not fluently," Sarim said.

Zhang has even been given a Uygur name Arteng Guri, which is the literal translation of her Chinese given name Jinhua, which means golden flower in English.

The mastery of a new language has also helped Zhang's work as the director of Xinrong Residential Community in Huocheng.

Sarim has eight brothers and sisters, and Zhang has three, and they have a good relationship with all of them. Sarim has helped Zhang's younger brother to contract 100 mu's farmland to help him alleviate poverty status.

Two years' after the marriage, Sarim's elder brother was also married to a woman of the Yi ethnic group.

Breaking the knot

The year-long opposition from Sarim's mother was a shadow burdening the couple. "Being a son, I've the responsibility to take care of and keep filial to my mother, especially after my father passed away. If our marriage is not recognized by her, I'll feel guilty of conscience all the time," Sarim says.

The opportunity of change came in 2002, when their daughter was five, and the family went to the countryside to visit Sarim's mother.

"We were not sure about his mother's attitude. We assumed that she would turn us down or scold us harshly in our face. To our surprise, she burst into tears seeing her doll-like grand-daughter. After that, she came to accept my position in the family," says Zhang.

His mother's final acceptance has encouraged Sarim's confidence to move ahead with their family life. "We'll all the more cherish our life, which was not easily secured throughout the years. "

The Urumqi riots have not tainted their devotion to each other.

"The Uygur and Han nationalities have integrated for many years in Xinjiang. So long as the mutual understanding is achieved, we'll be guaranteed by solidarity," he says.

Zhang shares her husband's positive attitude. "I never thought that our marriage, grown out of our tiny dormitory, would be blessed all the years. Now, many of my friends and neighbors are envious of our happy life.

"The great future is awaiting ahead," she hands a piece of melon to Sarim, wiping sweat off his face.

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