Madlen Kobi analyzes the architectural and socio-political
transformation of public places and spaces in rapidly urbanizing
southern Xinjiang, P.R. China, and in doing so pays particular attention
to the cities of Aksu and Kaxgar. As the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous
Region lies in between China and Central Asia, it is especially
characterized by differing political, cultural, and religious
influences, and, furthermore, due to its being a multiethnic region, by
multiple identities. One might expect cultural and social identities in
this area to be negotiated by referring to history, religion, or food.
However, they also become visible by the construction and
reconstruction, if not demolition, of public places, architectural
landmarks, and private residences. Based on ethnographic fieldwork
performed in 2011 and 2012, the study explores everyday life in a
continuously transforming urban environment shaped by the interaction of
the interests of government institutions, investment companies, the
middle class, and migrant workers, among many other actors. Here, urban
planning, modernization, and renewal form a highly sensitive lens
through which the author inspects the tense dynamics of ethnic,
religious, and class-based affiliations. She respects varieties and
complexities while thoroughly grounding unfolding transformation
processes in everyday lived experiences. The study provides vivid
insights into how urban places and spaces in this western border region
of China are constructed, created, and eventually contested.
