Customer Reviews

The Chinese Sultanate: Islam, Ethnicity, and the Panthay Rebellion in Southwest China, 1856-1873

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Chinese Muslims? Its sometimes easy to forget about marginal populations until something catastrophic happens. This book is a scholarly analysis of one such catastrophe- the 19th century "Muslim rebellion" in the southwestern province of Yunnan. Atwill's depiction of the multiethnic nature of Yunnan, the symbiotic nature of the different groups, the origins of its Muslim (Hui) population were fascinating. The depiction of the workings of the Chinese Muslim kingdom were particularly interesting. What is most shocking is the magnitude and virulence of the anti-Muslim massacres that preceded the rebellion (which almost mirrors what happened in Bosnia- vigilante groups, official indifference, etc. ). The book does little to analyze the causes of this genocidal violence (which Atwill himself calls inexplicable) on the part of the Han Chinese settlers; just recounts it and links it as the major cause of the rebellion. The historian's task here is simply to research, and present his findings in a coherent narrative, perhaps correcting popular misnomers- admirable in itself I suppose, although no very deep interpretations of human nature or the nature of history. All in all, a detailed account of a major incident in the history of a very fascinating group of people- despite the disturbing implication such history indicates for minorities. Despite the dry, historical narrative style, the story is engaging in itself, full of characters and comic tragedy. It definitely renewed my respect for the Hui, who have suffered so horrifically for their faith.