The Chinese government’s campaign to sinicise religious architecture has reached a significant milestone with the transformation of the last major Arabic-style mosque in China, the Grand Mosque of Shadian. This article delves into the implications of this transformation, the broader context of mosque sinicisation, and the impact on China’s Muslim communities.
The Grand Mosque of Shadian: A Historical Overview
The Grand Mosque of Shadian, located in Yunnan province, has long been a symbol of Islamic architecture in China. Originally built during the Ming dynasty, the mosque was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution but later rebuilt and expanded with government support. Its design was inspired by the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, featuring a large green dome, four smaller domes, and tall minarets adorned with crescent moons.
The Sinicisation Campaign
In 2018, the Chinese government launched a five-year plan to “sinicise” Islam, aiming to integrate Islamic architecture with Chinese characteristics. This plan involved resisting foreign architectural styles and promoting structures that align with Chinese aesthetics. A leaked Chinese Communist Party memo revealed instructions to “adhere to the principle of demolishing more and building less,” indicating a systematic approach to reshaping religious sites.
Transformation of the Grand Mosque
Recent developments at the Grand Mosque of Shadian illustrate the completion of this campaign. Satellite imagery and witness accounts from 2023 show the removal of the mosque’s iconic green dome, replaced by a Han Chinese-style pagoda rooftop. The minarets have been shortened and converted into pagoda towers, with only faint traces of the crescent moon and star tiles remaining.
The Broader Impact on Yunnan’s Mosques
Yunnan province, one of the last regions tackled in the sinicisation campaign, has seen significant changes in its mosques. Najiaying Mosque, another landmark in the province, also underwent renovations that stripped it of its Islamic features. These transformations are part of a broader effort to integrate Muslim communities into the national fabric by altering their religious architecture.
Responses from the Muslim Community
The sinicisation of mosques has sparked varied responses from the Muslim community. While some have complied with the changes, others, like the residents of Shadian, have expressed deep dissatisfaction. A Hui Muslim activist described the renovations as “a clear message to destroy your religion and your ethnicity.” The sense of loss is profound, with many Muslims feeling that their cultural and religious identity is being systematically erased.
Historical Context and Significance
The transformation of the Grand Mosque of Shadian is not just about architectural changes; it reflects a deeper historical and cultural struggle. The mosque, rebuilt after the Shadian incident during the Cultural Revolution, has been a symbol of resilience and religious freedom for Hui Muslims. The recent modifications are seen by many as an attempt to undermine this legacy and impose a homogenized cultural identity.
Government Justifications and International Reactions
The Chinese government defends its policies as necessary for national unity and security. However, international observers and human rights organizations view these actions as part of a broader strategy to suppress religious freedoms and assimilate minority cultures. The United Nations has raised concerns about the treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities, with some actions potentially constituting crimes against humanity.
Conclusion
The transformation of the Grand Mosque of Shadian marks the culmination of China’s sinicisation campaign, fundamentally altering the landscape of Islamic architecture in the country. As the government continues to enforce these changes, the future of religious expression and cultural diversity in China remains uncertain. The response from the Muslim community and international observers will be crucial in shaping the ongoing dialogue around religious freedom and cultural preservation in China.