Skirting the vast expanse of the Taklamakan Desert in northwestern China, I met the Uighurs (pron. "Wee-gers"), people of Turkish/Mongolian descent who inhabit China's Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. Uighurs thrive on the fringes of one the world's largest deserts, still haunted by the great history of the ancient Silk Routes. While traveling here it is hard to believe you are still in China. Extravagant Central Asian bazaars fill with thousands of colorful oasis traders each week, minarets sparkle amongst the rooftops of each town, and the smoky scent of mutton kebabs mingles with the distinct sounds of Uighur music and language.