Ma Bufang

Ma Bufang (1903–1975) (traditional Chinese: 馬步芳; simplified Chinese: 马步芳; pinyin: Mǎ Bùfāng; Wade–Giles: Ma³ Pu⁴-fang¹, Urdu:محمد بوفنگ, Kashmiri:مُحمَد بُفنگ, Uyghur:ما بوفنگ), was a prominent Muslim Ma clique warlord in China during the Republic of China era, ruling the province of Qinghai. His rank was Lieutenant-general.

General Ma started a state run and controlled industrialization project, directly creating educational, medical, agricultural, and sanitation projects, run or assisted by the state.

Life

Ma Bufang and his older brother Ma Buqing (1901–1977) were born in Monigou Township (漠泥溝鄉) in what is today Linxia County, some 35 kilometres (22 mi) west of Linxia City. Their father Ma Qi (馬麒) formed the Ninghai Army in Qinghai in 1915, and received civilian and military posts from the Beiyang Government in Beijing. In that same year confirming his military and civilian authority in Qinghai.

Older brother Ma Buqing received a Classical Chinese education, while Ma Bufang received education in Islam. Ma Qi originally made Ma Bufang study to become an Imam while his older brother Ma Buqing was educated in the military. Ma Bufang studied until he was 19, then he pursued a military career like his brother. Ma Bufang controlled the Great Dongguan Mosque.