In the twelfth century they aligned themselves with Genghis Khan, but never became unified under one leadership until 1884. They lived along the silk road and worked as caravan drivers transporting Chinese goods. Traditionally, the Uighurs were shepherds and oasis farmers. Today, however, many of them are involved in businesses such as manufacturing, mining, oil drilling, trading, and transportation. One can easily see that their diet has been heavily influenced by their agrarian past.
Meat is eaten at every meal, and dairy products are enjoyed daily.
In comparison to other people groups in China, the Uighurs are relatively prosperous. Many even own items such as televisions and cassette recorders. Various political, religious, and ethnic conflicts have characterized the history of the Uighurs. They possess a unique blend of cultural elegance all their own. While remaining isolated enough to preserve their rural simplicity, they successfully made many contacts with other cultures.