Furthermore, Obul also highlighted that the book unveils several distinct ethnic characteristics that may be unfamiliar to readers. There are many cultural differences between northern and southern Xinjiang. For example, women in Ili, located in northern Xinjiang, prefer to tie their headscarves at the back. Conversely, people in southern Xinjiang lead a more traditional lifestyle, tying their headscarves under the chin. Wang captures these subtle details of Xinjiang residents' lives, vividly portraying the images of Uygur people.
Wang, born in October 1939, was honored with the title of People's Artist by the State. His notable works include Qingchun Wansui (Long Live Youth) and The Butterfly and Other Stories. Celebrating his 90th birthday recently, Wang's passion for writing spans seven decades, with a total character count exceeding 26 million. Reflecting on the republication of In Ili, he reaffirms his continued exploration to the theme of happiness.
Recalling his time in Ili, Wang comments, "though my circumstances in Ili could be deemed challenging, I ventured there by my own choice, driven by a desire to immerse myself in the local culture and language".
He adds, "how to understand the pain is a vital topic of literature. The problem is that many people feel too much pain, even heavier than the actual pain itself. From my point of view, experiencing happiness is a responsibility for everyone, at all times. During my days in Ili, I couldn't envision the future that lay ahead, but I don't feel depressed. I simply drank copious amounts of milk tea, laughed, and enjoyed the moment. Together with my Uygur friends, I embraced unity, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the Xinjiang community."
