Suleyman, Sultan
Definition
Suleyman, Sultan (d. 1873), also known as Du Wenxiu, led a Hui rebellion against the Chinese state in the southern Chinese province of Yunnan, near the Burmese border, from 1855. He sought to establish an independent Muslim state called “the state that pacifies the south” (Pingnan Guo). The revolt was an assertion of a distinct Hui Muslim identity separate from the Chinese imperial administration and marked a shift from a previously adaptationist approach to a more vigorous activism.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: سليمان السلطان (Suleyman al-Sultan)
- Turkish: Sultanı Süleyman
Historical Context
The revolt led by Suleyman in Yunnan (1855-1873) was emblematic of the broader social and political unrest of 19th-century China. It exhibited Hui Muslim resistance to Qing imperial authority and encompassed aspirations for religious and cultural self-determination. The rebellion drew on earlier Naqshbandi revivalist movements in northwest China, signifying a blend of local grievances and trans-regional Islamic revivalism.
The Movement and Its Impact
Origins and Objectives
- Identity and Independence: The movement sought to carve out a Muslim identity that was politically and culturally distinct from the Han Chinese majority.
- Naqshbandi Ties: The influence of the Naqshbandi Sufi order reflects broader Islamic ideological currents that transcended regional boundaries.
The Rebellion
- Tactics and Leadership: Suleyman’s leadership galvanized substantial support from the Hui Muslim population, partially due to his promises of land reform and religious freedoms.
- Establishment of Pingnan Guo: The creation of “the state that pacifies the south” represented a significant but short-lived attempt to establish a Hui Muslim polity.
Conclusion and Aftermath
The state established by Suleyman lasted until 1873, when it was eventually crushed by the Qing troops. Although the movement was ultimately unsuccessful, it marked an important epoch in the history of Muslim minorities in China, highlighting themes of resistance, identity formation, and the complex interactions between religious and state authorities.
Further Reading
For a deeper exploration of the topics discussed, consider the following references:
- Atwill, David G. “Islamic Shangri-La: Inter-Asian Relations and Lhasa’s Muslim Communities, 1600 to 1960.” University of California Press, 2018.
- Lipman, Jonathan N. “Familiar Strangers: A History of Muslims in Northwest China.” University of Washington Press, 1997.
- Gladney, Dru C. “Muslim Chinese: Ethnic Nationalism in the People’s Republic.” Harvard University Asia Center, 1996.
Takeaways
- Significance of the Rebellion: Suleyman’s insurrection underscores the complex dynamics of minority-majority relationships in imperial contexts.
- Religious and Cultural Identity: The rebellion is an instance of a minority community using religious and cultural frameworks to justify and drive political rebellion.
By studying Suleyman’s rebellion, one can better understand the multifaceted challenges faced by Muslim otherness in the context of a dominant non-Muslim polity and the ongoing struggle for self-determination and religious freedoms within larger imperial frameworks.
