Multinormativity of a place: the ‘meaning system’ of Ordam Mazar and its relevance as ‘global cultural heritage’*

This article examines the demolition of Ordam Mazar between 2017 and 2022, arguing that the site’s removal reflects an effort to reinforce mononormativity within China’s cultural policies and promote a homogeneous national identity (gongtongti 共同体). The author contends that Ordam Mazar was not merely a historic Muslim shrine but also a living cultural entity, essential to sustaining Uyghur and Central Asian communal identity, ritual practices, and a sense of belonging. Functioning as a spiritual and social nexus, the site provided creative and empowering space for local communities, facilitating ongoing meaning-making rather than serving as a static relic. Historical records further underscore its prominence within Eastern Central Asia’s spiritual geography, highlighting its critical role in regional cultural and religious life. The demolition–despite the site’s undeniable significance within China’s cultural heritage–aligns with current state policies on minority groups and cultural regulation. This argument is supported by extensive fieldwork data, including interviews and participant observation conducted by the author between 2009 and 2011, with follow-up research in 2019. Additionally, the paper presents original visual documentation, including photographs from the 2009 and 2011 fieldwork, offering invaluable insights into the shrine’s cultural and historical importance prior to its destruction.