Ningxia Liupan Mountain Mosque Renovations and Minaret Demolition Spark Concerns
[Internet Repost]
In the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of Northwest China, even though the "Sinicization" campaign targeting mosques has been underway for years, the latest signs indicate that religious sites that have already undergone initial exterior "renovations" are still facing the fate of further demolition or even complete disappearance.
Recently, video footage emerged from an iconic mosque in Ningxia's Liupan Mountain region, showing heavy construction cranes inside the courtyard. Eyewitnesses reported that the mosque's traditional Islamic-style minaret was being hoisted down and dismantled.
From "Renovation" to "Dismantling"
This mosque, located in a Hui Muslim-populated area, had previously completed "de-religiosization" rectifications in accordance with official policies. To comply with so-called architectural aesthetics and "Sinicization" requirements, the mosque had already removed its domes and replaced original religious elements with more Chinese-style architectural components.
However, local worshippers found that temporary compromises did not buy long-term preservation. Analysts point out that this latest minaret demolition marks a shift in regional policy focus from "style adjustments" to a more thorough "structural removal."
The Extension of Official Policy
Since 2016, Beijing has pushed forward a nationwide "Sinicization of religion" policy aimed at making the architectural styles, decorations, and internal rituals of religious sites better align with traditional Chinese culture. In Ningxia and Gansu, thousands of mosques have had their domes and minarets removed.
Human Rights Watch and several independent scholars point out that this phased approach is highly representative. Earlier reports revealed that religious sites in some regions were converted into cultural stations or exhibition centers, but the latest developments in the Liupan Mountain area show that even for buildings where "renovations" are complete, their religious symbols are still targeted for rectification.
"This Is Just a Transition"
"So-called 'renovations' are not about preservation; they are a transitional step," said a researcher on religious issues who spoke on condition of anonymity. "First, social sensitivity is lowered through 'style rectifications,' followed by the use of more covert administrative measures for physical demolition, ultimately achieving the goal of 'zeroing out' or completely changing the building's use."
For the worshippers living in the Liupan Mountain region, the mosque is not only a religious center but also the soul of their community culture. The disappearance of the minaret is viewed by locals as a heavy signal of the further shrinking of religious freedom space.
At present, the local government in Ningxia has not yet issued an official explanation regarding the specific demolition work at the mosque.
In the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of Northwest China, even though the "Sinicization" campaign targeting mosques has been underway for years, the latest signs indicate that religious sites that have already undergone initial exterior "renovations" are still facing the fate of further demolition or even complete disappearance.
Recently, video footage emerged from an iconic mosque in Ningxia's Liupan Mountain region, showing heavy construction cranes inside the courtyard. Eyewitnesses reported that the mosque's traditional Islamic-style minaret was being hoisted down and dismantled.
From "Renovation" to "Dismantling"
This mosque, located in a Hui Muslim-populated area, had previously completed "de-religiosization" rectifications in accordance with official policies. To comply with so-called architectural aesthetics and "Sinicization" requirements, the mosque had already removed its domes and replaced original religious elements with more Chinese-style architectural components.
However, local worshippers found that temporary compromises did not buy long-term preservation. Analysts point out that this latest minaret demolition marks a shift in regional policy focus from "style adjustments" to a more thorough "structural removal."
The Extension of Official Policy
Since 2016, Beijing has pushed forward a nationwide "Sinicization of religion" policy aimed at making the architectural styles, decorations, and internal rituals of religious sites better align with traditional Chinese culture. In Ningxia and Gansu, thousands of mosques have had their domes and minarets removed.
Human Rights Watch and several independent scholars point out that this phased approach is highly representative. Earlier reports revealed that religious sites in some regions were converted into cultural stations or exhibition centers, but the latest developments in the Liupan Mountain area show that even for buildings where "renovations" are complete, their religious symbols are still targeted for rectification.
"This Is Just a Transition"
"So-called 'renovations' are not about preservation; they are a transitional step," said a researcher on religious issues who spoke on condition of anonymity. "First, social sensitivity is lowered through 'style rectifications,' followed by the use of more covert administrative measures for physical demolition, ultimately achieving the goal of 'zeroing out' or completely changing the building's use."
For the worshippers living in the Liupan Mountain region, the mosque is not only a religious center but also the soul of their community culture. The disappearance of the minaret is viewed by locals as a heavy signal of the further shrinking of religious freedom space.
At present, the local government in Ningxia has not yet issued an official explanation regarding the specific demolition work at the mosque.
