2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a land where Uygur, Kazakh, Kirgiz and other communities thrive side by side.
At its core, this fertile region is a cultural mosaic, from the haunting melodies of the Twelve Muqam to the vibrant patterns woven into every family carpet.
Enter Parhat Arkin, a Xinjiang-born extreme sports enthusiast turned outdoor photographer. Over the past 11 years, he has braved wind-swept canyons, frozen peaks and desert dunes in pursuit of the perfect shot.
His portfolio reads like a global itinerary: high-altitude campaigns with Arc’teryx and Jack Wolfskin and creative shoots for Apple’s latest products, placing his imagery on stages around the world. Yet his true passion remains closer to home.
Parhat’s childhood was soundtracked by the Twelve Muqam and anchored by intricate carpet designs that tell stories of nomadic traditions. Today, his camera captures everything from festival dances to the endless horizons that define Xinjiang’s landscapes.
Looking ahead, Parhat plans to launch a visual storytelling series that blends high-octane action with cultural snapshots, inviting a global audience to discover a land where tradition and adventure walk hand in hand.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
