Xinjiang’s far west city of Kashgar is full of secrets. The Apak Khoja Mazar (Mausoleum) is no different. Are the stories a myth?

A lot is changing in Kashgar, but what will it look like in 20 years? Here’s a glimpse into China’s dream of the future.

Kashgar, an ancient oasis located between the Taklamakan desert and the Karakorum mountain range, was one of the busiest stops along the Silk Road. Today the Silk Road is gone but the markets are still there.

The locals call it “Toshuk Tagh”, translated to be “Mountain with a Hole”, while the Chinese have named it 天门, or “Heavenly Gate”. Most English guides you see call it Shipton’s Arch after mountaineer Eric Shipton who is credited with its discovery.

“These photos were taken across Xinjiang, and are an effort to increase awareness of, and interest in, the Uyghur people and the threat they face.” – Photographer Brett Elmer

On February 28th, 2012, over 20 people died in yet another incident in Kashgar, Xinjiang. China claims it is the work of terrorist while Uyghur groups claim they are acting out against Chinese oppression.

At the heart of the debate over the destruction and rebuilding of Kashgar’s Old City is one primary assumption: Uyghur buildings are more reliable than the concrete, Chinese counterparts. They have stood the test of centuries of time.

But what if Uyghur buildings aren’t as indestructible as we think?

It’s no secret that the local government in Xinjiang has been systematically getting rid of Kashgar’s Old City over the past few years. But what will it look like when they’re done demolishing it?

I received an email from a lady a while back whose kids were going to travel through Kashgar. She had been there as a student back in the late 1970′s and later worked there in the 1980′s. She shared with me these pictures she took in Kashgar that I thought were absolutely fascinating.

Another beautiful photo of life in Xinjiang. A Uyghur man gets a traditional shave on the streets of Kashgar.