Demolishing Kashgar's History- page 1 | History | Smithsonian
Uighur Dilemma - YouTube
I just read this article and stumbled upon this documentary, from 2009 (actually think it might be Foreign Correspondent, an Australian documentary programme) about the plight of the Old City of Kashgar, which the Chinese governments plans to demolish and re-construct. The article in particular then reports on the wider conflict between Uyghurs/Uighurs wanting to retain their culture and the spreading control and influence of the Chinese government.
It's pretty sad to hear about this, the buildings have remained here for hundreds of years and the people have lived there happily, the cynic in me definitely thinks the Chinese government - both national and local - don't really care about the people's safety but just want to sort of teach the Uyghurs a lesson. I mean even if some really do want to move out why not build a separate community for them somewhere else, and at least retain the old city as a historical monument? Also for cultural reasons it would be sad (although I know nothing lasts forever, but it's destruction is needless). Well not the Chinese care about their 'own' culture in places like Beijing etc where they've razed hutongs despite both local and international protest.
Perhaps the Uyghurs might be better off independent, but I suspect that won't solve most of the problems. I just wish the Chinese government wasn't such a big bully throwing it's weight around, acting like it can do anything because it's so powerful...
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
