the black China hand

Nine hundred families already have been moved from Kashgar’s Old City, “the best-preserved example of a traditional Islamic city to be found anywhere in central Asia,” as the architect and historian George Michell wrote in the 2008 book “Kashgar: Oasis City on China’s Old Silk Road.” Over the next few years, city officials say, they will demolish at least 85 percent of this warren of picturesque, if run-down homes and shops.

I understand the need to make the city safe and protect lives but surely there must be a better way than razing the city. Furthermore, considering the smoldering tensions between the local Islamic citizens and the Han authorities (no love lost here), who could blame the locals for their anger and resentment. The project just smacks of ethnic cleansing and absolute thoughtlessness of the CCP’s powers that be.

To Protect an Ancient City, China Moves to Raze It