Iconic Chinese mosque demolished

In an alarming move, China’s campaign to suppress religious freedom is now targeting famous mosques.

The recent closure and partial demolition of the grand mosque in Shadian, this month, after returning Hui Muslim pilgrims found it in ruins, signify a wider crackdown on Islamic sites across the country according to an article by Foreign Press.

Domes and minarets, seen as symbols of foreign influence, are under attack to cater to an increasingly Islamophobic public. The situation is exacerbated by a policy aiming to “Sinify” Islam, treating it as a foreign faith.

Previously, China’s mosques served as diplomatic tools for outreach to the Islamic world. But now, the authorities prioritize ideological security over diplomacy, leading to the demolition of key mosque features.

Minority ethnic and religious cultures are facing severe threats, with similar measures being taken against other Muslim communities. This aggressive approach is further eroding cultural expression and religious practices in China.