Definition of "Turfan"

The Tungans fled towards Toksun, while the government troops stormed Turfan, which our convoy had left a few days before.

1936, Sven Hedin, The Flight of "Big Horse": The Trail of War in Central Asia‎, E. P. Dutton, page 15

The Hans strove to capture the important trade route with the west through Hami, Aksu, Kashgar, Turfan and Khotan.

c. 1946, Chandra Chakraberty, The Cultural History of the Hindus‎, Calcutta: Vijaya Krishna Brothers, page 267

A rice kernel a half inch long is said to have been developed in the Sinkiang oasis of Aqsu during Manchu Dynasty times, the grapes of Turfan have long been considered unequaled in sweetness and perfection, and today it is the fabulous wealth of Sinkiang's undeveloped natural resources that is inspiring wondrous tales.

1944, Martin R. Norins, Gateway to Asia: Sinkiang, Frontier of the Chinese Far West‎, John Day Company, page 34

Aside from the Turfan depression in Hsin-chiang (Sinkiang) province, the hottest part of China lies in the middle and lower Yangtze Valley. Maximum temperatures of 43°-44°C (110°-112°F) have been recorded in Ch'ang-sha and Nan-ching.

1969, Yi-Fu Tuan, China‎, Chicago: Aldine Publishing Company, page 22

In ancient times, Turfan was called Huochou, or Fire City, which was not inappropriate. Turfan is located in the lowest depression in Asia, just a notch above Hell.

2016, Bill Porter, The Silk Road: Taking the Bus to Pakistan‎, Counterpoint, page 119