Literature
Two Classics of the 11th Century
Kutadgu Bilig and the Dīwān Lughāt al-Turk, written by scholars from Kashgar nearly a thousand years ago.
Kutadgu Bilig ("Wisdom of Royal Glory") is a long poem completed by Yusuf Khass Hajib of Balasagun around 1069–1070 and presented to the ruler in Kashgar. Through conversations between four characters it explores justice, good government, knowledge and how to live well.
The Dīwān Lughāt al-Turk ("Compendium of the Languages of the Turks") was compiled by Mahmud al-Kashgari in the 1070s. It explains Turkic words in Arabic and records proverbs, poems and a map of the world as the author knew it.
Both works are treasured by Uyghurs today as early landmarks of their language and literature.