Great Chabuchar dyke of Xibe Ethnic Group

Since the immigrating population of Xibo nationality was increasing continuously, original wells and dykes could not support the requirement of enlarging cultivation field. Although people had just settled down to live a peaceful life, the conflicts of population, farmland and water resource begun to affect the regular defending and cultivating activities. The situation drew the attention of general director Tuberte. The far sight director inspected the upstream of Yili River to collect the river and terrain information of Chabuchar Plain as well as actively accepted the suggestion of people. At last, a blue print of cutting “Great Chabuchar Dyke”, utilizing Yili River to irrigate Chabuchar farmland was finished in 1832, 37 years of immigration. The blue print submitted General Yili to approve.  

When receiving the approval of General Yili, Director Tuberte inspected the subordinate sentries on the one hand; on the other hand, he separated all workforces as 2 groups to build the dyke in turn. In 1808, a great dyke 4 meter broad, 3 meter deep and 100 km long had been built up after 7 years struggling. Like a giant dragon, the dyke irrigate the around arid field. In order to memorize Director Tuberte, people built 2 “Director Tuberte Temple” in the dike entrance Dalongko and Qiniulu. As it said, on finishing ceremony the great dyke was named as “Chabuchar Buha”, which means “great dyke of granary” in language of Xibo. The name showed the Xibo ancestors wish to pursue rich and happy life.

Hence, the Great Chabuchar dyke resulted in substantial effect in history. Moreover, many water conservancy experts had been cultivated during the dyke building; they devotedly contributed to Yili irrigating works building such as “Shartang dyke” and “Tarqi new dyke”.