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.
