“Where to go?” Making Islamic Thought in Digitised China

The proposed research seeks to explore how Dongxiang Imams, one of China’s ten recognised Muslim groups, navigate and adapt to the transformative impacts of digitisation-driven urbanisation and globalisation. Fieldwork is planned in China and the MENA region, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia, to investigate transnational connections and shared religious practices.

In my academic work, I prioritise perspectives from Global Majorities, aiming to “Provincialise Western Philosophies” and examine “Multiple Universalities,” integrating voices often excluded from dominant narratives.

Research Interests:

Change and Change-making; Anthropology of Philosophy and/or Technology; Anthropology of Islam and China; Global China; Revolution; Money; Future

 

Research Topics:

Islam in China; Left-wing Revolutionaries in the U.K.; (Public Art) Place-Making

 

Other Fieldwork Experience:

2021 - 2022:

Conducted ethnographic fieldwork on Left-wing revolutionaries in Manchester, U.K., focusing on how marginalized groups navigate urban spaces and the role of cities in revolutionary ideologies.

2017:

Investigated art-based place-making project, Bishan Project in Bishan Village, China, examining their socio-cultural impact and their role in fostering community identity and resilience.

 

Research-related Languages:

English, Chinese, Dongxiang Language, German and Arabic

 

First Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Kai Kresse