The Uighurs or Uyghurs are said to be an ancient Turkish tribe who according to the Cyclopaedia of India and south Asia formerly occupied Xinjian; now said to be occupied by a mixed population of Turk, Mongolian and Kalmuck. The term is said to have originally described Tiele tribes in northern China and Mongolia. As Islam became prominent it became synonymous with the uyghur khaginate.
Uyghurs are being detained in special camps, reportedly as a response to terrorist attacks as part of an independence movement. They are said to have inhabited areas previously controlled by Turks and others. May have been Turkish administrators. Research shows Uyghurs may have intermarried. Possibility is they feel estranged from both Chinese and Turkish culture.
Since 2015 it is estimated that over a million Uyghurs have been detained in internment camps. According to official figures 12.8 million Uyghurs currently live in China.