On May 24th, in front of the "Mai Le Xiang" naan shop at the Tiemenguan City Farmers Market in the Second Division, Zhang Hao (left) and Alim Mamut neatly stacked freshly baked naan. Inside the bustling market, the "Mai Le Xiang" naan shop is filled with the warmth of the oven and the aroma of naan. In the kitchen, shop owner Alim Mamut is busy kneading dough, stamping patterns, and baking naan; at the storefront, partner Zhang Hao is occupied with greeting customers and packing orders. The small shop sees a constant flow of people, presenting a busy and thriving business scene.
Behind this shop full of life is a story of two young men from different ethnic groups supporting each other and starting a business together. In 2020, Zhang Hao, from Heze City, Shandong Province, came to work at a textile enterprise in the Tiemenguan Economic and Technological Development Zone as a workshop supervisor; Alim Mamut, from Bachu County, Kashgar Prefecture, also joined the same company, working in goods packaging.
"He is diligent in his work and serious about learning," Zhang Hao recalled, noting that he first noticed Alim Mamut during the company's occupational safety training session. Through hard work, Alim Mamut quickly became a key member of his team. As their work interactions increased, the two, similar in age and both far from home, gradually became close friends who shared everything.
In 2022, Alim Mamut returned to Bachu County to get married and left the company. Although they no longer worked together, they kept in touch. During one conversation, Zhang Hao learned that Alim Mamut was facing temporary financial strain due to renovating his new home. Without hesitation, Zhang Hao offered help, using his savings to alleviate the financial pressure. This sincere assistance deepened the bond between them.
Later, Alim Mamut told Zhang Hao that he had learned the craft of making naan and wanted to open a naan shop but was hesitant due to insufficient funds. Zhang Hao encouraged him, saying, "Come to Tiemenguan City, and we'll figure it out together."
Zhang Hao's encouragement strengthened Alim Mamut's resolve to start the business. In August 2025, Alim Mamut and his wife came to Tiemenguan City in the Second Division to survey the market. After thorough research and comparisons, they finally chose a location near the farmers market.
In October of the same year, the "Mai Le Xiang" naan shop officially opened for business. During the initial phase, expenses such as shop rental, renovation, and equipment purchases were substantial. After pooling all their savings, there was still a funding gap, so they jointly applied for a loan, sharing the operational pressures.
To run the shop successfully, they divided responsibilities clearly. Zhang Hao, using his off-duty time, took charge of purchasing ingredients, managing accounts, and assisting with sales; Alim Mamut focused on making naan. At the end of each business day, the two would discuss the next day's plans together.
After more than six months of operation, the naan shop run by Alim Mamut and Zhang Hao has gradually stabilized. Speaking of their current life, Alim Mamut's face lights up with a smile: "Now the shop's income is becoming more stable, the loan is almost paid off, and life is getting better and more promising."
During this year's Spring Festival, due to the busy shop, Alim Mamut did not return to Bachu County to reunite with his family. Zhang Hao proactively invited Alim Mamut and his family to stay in Tiemenguan City and celebrate the New Year together. Putting up Spring Festival couplets, enjoying the reunion dinner, and playing with the children, the two families spent a warm and harmonious Spring Festival filled with laughter.
"This year during Eid al-Adha, I want to invite Zhang Hao and his family to Bachu County as guests, so they can experience the festive atmosphere of my hometown," Alim Mamut said.
A small naan shop holds the essentials of daily life and carries genuine friendship. Through their joint venture and mutual support, Zhang Hao and Alim Mamut are making their lives more prosperous, allowing the seeds of ethnic unity to bloom beautifully through their daily interactions.
In recent years, Tiemenguan City in the Second Division has continued to deepen efforts in promoting ethnic unity and progress, actively creating favorable conditions for employment, entrepreneurship, learning exchanges, and mutual assistance among workers and residents of all ethnic groups. More and more heartwarming stories like that of Zhang Hao and Alim Mamut are emerging in community farms, enterprise workshops, and streets. Workers and residents of all ethnic groups are enhancing understanding and deepening bonds through interaction and integration, sticking together like pomegranate seeds to jointly build a happy and beautiful homeland.
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