China demolishes iconic Uyghur trade center in East Turkistan
China has demolished the Rebiya Kadeer Trade Center, once a prominent building symbolizing Uyghur entrepreneurship and identity in Urumqi in Chinese-occupied East Turkistan.
Satellite images confirm the site is now rubble.
Built in 1990, the seven-story center housed more than 600 shops, conference halls, and classrooms.
It played a key role in fostering Uyghur business and intellectual growth.
Named after Uyghur activist Rebiya Kadeer, now based in the U.S., the center had been closed since 2009.
Kadeer, once a millionaire entrepreneur in Xinjiang, became a political figure after her 1999 imprisonment and 2005 exile.
Uyghur activists view the demolition as part of China’s broader efforts to erase Uyghur cultural and Islamic landmarks.
Thousands of mosques and traditional Uyghur sites have been destroyed or repurposed in recent years.
A government worker in Urumqi revealed authorities attempted to demolish the building discreetly, but the implosion and heavy police presence caused alarm.
In recent years, Chinese authorities have leveled thousands of mosques and traditional Uyghur neighborhoods and buildings in cities like Kashgar, while turning others into tourist attractions.
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