“We Are All Burmese at Heart”

“We Are All Burmese at Heart”

Edited & Condensed for Readability from We are all Burmese in our heart

I share this brief history to remind us of our shared heritage and unity.

Wiki picture.

Roots of a Burmese Muslim Family

My Burmese Muslim grandfather was the son of a royal bodyguard in the Mandalay court—a descendant of Afghan warriors who settled in Burma centuries ago. Fully integrated into Burmese society, they were loyal subjects of successive kings, granted land and official roles.
In Mandalay, several neighborhoods—like A Myauk Tan (artillerymen), Myin Win (cavalry), and Ko Yan Daw Win (royal bodyguards)—continue to be inhabited by their descendants, each with historic mosques such as the “Oh Bo Mosque” and the Chinese Muslim Mosque. These were supported by King Mindon, who even donated to build a Burmese Muslim hostel in Mecca.
The Burmese Muslim quarters granted in Mandalay by Kin Mindon were:
Sigaing dan
Kone Yoe dan
Taung Balu
Oh Bo
Setkyer Ngwezin
June Amoke Tan
Wali Khan Quarter
Taik Tan Qr
Koyandaw Qr (Royal Bodyguards’ Qr)
Ah Choke Tan
Kala Pyo Qr
Panthay dan for the Burmese Chinese Muslims.

By Colesworthey Grant – A Series of Views in Burmah taken during Major Phayre’s Mission to the Court of Ava in 1855, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19253028

Palace Coups and Narrow Escapes

My grandfather served King Mindon until the palace coup of 1878 installed Thibaw, killing many royals. He escaped to Lower Burma; his Burmese Muslim wife—disowned for marrying a “Kala”—raised their family in poverty but ensured her children received quality education.
Despite hardship, the family overcame adversity: they produced teachers, doctors, and engineers. Today, none deny their identity as Burmese citizens—even after the military junta began labeling Muslims and others as “guest” or “mixed-blood.”

A Burmese-style mosque with an elaborately carved minaret in Amarapura during the Konbaung dynasty (coloured by AI) Wikipedia

Discrimination Under Military Rule

Military-issued ID cards now classify Muslim children as “mixed-blood,” regardless of their parents being recognized citizens. This is systemic discrimination—apartheid by design—used to erase their identity and limit their futures.
These same children, despite their lineage and contributions, face exclusion from rights, services, and the simple dignity of citizenship.

Downtown Mawlamyaing, Myanmar by Anagoria Wikipedia.

Our Shared Identity and Rights

Burmese Muslims, like so many others—Chinese, Indian, Pashu, Rohingya—are woven into Burma’s diverse tapestry. We are culturally Burmese, citizens by birth, contributors to the nation.
Former leaders such as General Aung San affirmed this unity: “We have no bitterness… If they [Indians and Chinese] choose to join us, we’ll welcome them as brethren… The welfare of all people—irrespective of race or religion—is my life’s mission.”