China quietly razes Uyghur business landmark in East Turkistan

Demolition of Uyghur Trade Center Highlights Cultural Suppression

China secretly demolished the Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center in Urumqi, East Turkistan (Xinjiang), a once-vibrant hub for over 800 Uyghur-owned businesses.

The demolition is seen by Uyghur activists as part of Beijing's ongoing efforts to suppress Uyghur identity and cultural heritage.

Rebiya Kadeer, the trade center's owner and a prominent Uyghur rights activist, views the destruction as an attempt to erase her legacy.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT:

Kadeer was once a successful entrepreneur and political representative

She became a dissident after advocating for Uyghur rights

Arrested in 1999 and sentenced to prison for sharing information about government crackdowns

Now lives in exile in the United States

International bodies, including the U.S. government, have accused China of committing crimes against humanity and genocide against Uyghurs.

The demolition symbolizes the ongoing cultural and political tensions between China and the Uyghur population.

REBIYA KADEER'S JOURNEY OF RESISTANCE

ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT

Arrested in 1999 for allegedly providing "national intelligence to overseas organizations"

Sentenced to eight years in prison

Released in 2005 through U.S. diplomatic efforts

ACTIVISM AND PERSECUTION

Became president of the World Uyghur Congress in 2006

Beijing retaliated by imprisoning two of her sons on what she claims are false charges

Chinese authorities blamed her for 2009 Urumqi riots, which she denies

FAMILY CONSEQUENCES

At least 20 relatives detained since 2017

Her sister died in a detention camp

Children and grandchildren were forced to make propaganda videos denouncing her

TRADE CENTER LEGACY

The trade center remained vacant after 2009

Recently demolished without her notification or compensation

Kadeer views the demolition as an attempt to erase her legacy

ONGOING RESISTANCE

Continues to advocate for Uyghur rights from exile in the United States

Remains defiant despite personal and family challenges

The story illustrates the personal cost of political activism and China's systematic approach to suppressing Uyghur dissent.