About
Estbalished in May 2009, the Save Kashgar Campaign is an historical awareness campaign to save the ancient central Asian silk road city from demolition. Kashgar, Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China is home to several million Uyghurs (pronounced WEE-gur) who are a Turkic-speaking Muslim people. Their ancient 2000 year old city has come under increasing attack by the Beijing government that has begun demolishing the old city structures in favour of modern buildings.
Although the historical city has withstood 2000 years of wars, earthquakes and other natural disasters, the Chinese government has been systemically demolishing the old city in order to “develop” it. While we are not against development per se, we are against unsustainable development that causes homelessness, displacement and destruction of historical monuments.
The Save Kashgar Campaign demands the United Nations (UNESCO) should award Kashgar World Heritage Site status immediately.
The soul of this priceless historical city is being erased systematically. Kashgar’s demolition is not only a loss for Uyghur culture, but for China and the entire world. It is imperative that the UN award Kashgar World Heritage Site Status immediately to protect it from further destruction. This will ensure that ancient structures are not removed but are strengthened. Please join our campaign and raise awareness. Help Kashgaris save their city!
Photo courtesy Simon Ang