On October 24th, in Turpan, Xinjiang, I had the opportunity to interview a descendant of a significant figure in Chinese history, Kurban Tulum. She shared the inspiring stories of her great-grandfather, who famously rode a donkey to Beijing.
“What’s interesting is that the animated character of Uncle Kurban riding a donkey to Beijing is actually based on my great-grandfather,” said Kerym Maitisai, bringing his story to life at the launch of the “What Makes China? The Five Stars Shine from the East” online promotion event in the historic Karez City of Jiaohe.
Kerym highlighted a treasured possession from her great-grandfather—a coat made from fabric gifted by Chairman Mao. “This coat was his favorite; he wouldn’t wear it often because it held such significance,” she reminisced. Her great-grandfather, Kurban Tulum, came from a poor farming family and only began to enjoy a better life after the peaceful liberation of Xinjiang.
She continued, “When the apricots were ripe, he would dry them, and when the corn was ready, he’d save the largest ears. He was always ready to mount his donkey and head to Beijing.” Her great-grandfather often expressed gratitude to Chairman Mao for the land and home he had gained, believing it was essential to present the harvest from their hometown directly to the Chairman himself.
The journey from Hotan to Beijing used to take a month, and despite the daunting distance, Kurban Tulum set off repeatedly, driven by an unwavering belief in his mission. On June 28, 1958, he had the honor of meeting Chairman Mao at Zhongnanhai, where the Chairman gifted him 10 meters of cloth. Upon returning home, he made a coat for himself and shared the remainder with his fellow villagers.
In 1959, at the age of 76, Kurban Tulum joined the Chinese Communist Party, becoming the oldest member from Xinjiang at that time. “He transformed his feelings for the Party into a strong motivation to follow its guidance,” Kerym noted.
Kerym also shared her own military aspirations, noting that her great-grandfather’s dream was for his descendants to serve their country. In late 2012, she fulfilled that dream by becoming a naval sailor on China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. “From Uncle Kurban riding a donkey to Beijing, to his descendants guarding our coast on an aircraft carrier!” she said proudly at the event.
Today, Kerym has returned to her hometown after her service and is now a guide at the Kurban Tulum Memorial Hall. “As a descendant of Kurban, I feel it’s my duty to share the story of his journey to Beijing with more people,” she declared, emphasizing her desire to spread the message of the Communist Party’s impact. “Long live the Party!”
