Abdurehim Gheni Uyghur

Hi, Salam everyone!

Table manners have evolved over centuries in Uyghur homes to make the practice of eating with others pleasant and sociable.

We are here today to introduce traditional Uyghur “Dastihan” Table Culture.

Generally, we take off shoes in our own homes and definitely so when visiting others’. We prefer to (have our guests to) sit on korpa (cushioned sheets) in a polite manner. There are two ways of sitting around the Dastihan (table), either cross-legged or on knee.

Before the meal, we always wash our hands with Aptuwa (water jug) and Chilapcha (special water pan). The hosts use them as a courtesy to invite guests to wash their hands before a meal. The host pores water over hands of a guests three times, the guest says “Hashqallah” (Thanks) as a response to the act. This is hand-washing etiquette of Uyghurs at home.

Now we can start eating. Let’s enjoy mezze (meal).!