@phdthesis{Chen,
  author    = {Chen, Pu},
  title     = {Die Reise der Zeichen - Eine Studie zur symbolischen Bildwelt der Xiy{\"u}-Kultur an der Seidenstraße},
  doi       = {10.25643/bauhaus-universitaet.2355},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:gbv:wim2-20150225-23553},
  school      = {Bauhaus-Universit{\"a}t Weimar},
  pages     = {281},
  abstract  = {The present study focuses on the traditional visual Xiyu-Signs of various ethnic groups with the example of Xinjiang in northwest China, along the ancient path of the Silk Road. The research should be understood as an experiment to a systematic presentation of the symbolic visual world in Xinjiang and therefore in a broader sense as an experiment to preserve the endangered Xiyu-Cultural Heritage. Due to the profound change in China and the Go-West-Strategy of China's economic programme an efficient way must be found to bring modernization and tradition in harmony. This study describes, analyses and evaluates exemplarily, how signs and symbols of knowledge and culture have been mixed between eastern and western cultures along the Silk Road in Xinjiang. It displays how they have been transferred and how far the Xiyu-Culture reflects, that Xinjiang was a meeting point of eastern and western cultures. In the process of my research three main questions arose: Firstly, what can the experience model of the ancient Silk Road contribute to the understanding of cultural development in today's information age? Secondly, what does cultural diversity mean for communication in Xinjiang? Is there an increase of media technology in the field of visual communication because of international influences? Thirdly, how can Xinjiang benefit from the opportunities given by the Go-West-Strategy of China's economic programme in an increasingly globalized world and find a balance between culture and economic prosperity? Therefore, this study uses a method that integrates a cultural-anthropological perspective. Characteristics of the traditional visual Xiyu-Signs, their significance for the ethnic groups in Xinjiang and cultural exchanges between Europe and Asia are discussed based on a field work, and the particular influence of trade and transport routes is presented. The visual signs of the Xiyu-Culture are shown from the time before the Islamization to today's Islamic period. The research shows that the signs are not place-bound cultural phenomena or local tradition; they are rather influenced by regional, national and international cultures consciously or unconsciously. They are a result of cultural communication. Finally the signs of Xiyu-Culture of Xinjiang are thoroughly researched with the Go-West-Strategy of the Chinese government. Economic development brings to Xinjiang not only modernization and prosperity, but also a cultural and ecological imbalance. Mankind formed everything into structure, what he perceives around him, with signs. The Xiyu-Signs create a visual structure. The Xiyu-Culture still has influence on the lifestyle of the ethnic groups in Xinjiang. Today, the confrontation between the traditional Xiyu-Culture and economic development has led to a serious conflict in Xinjiang. This study is a critical interpretation of the current situation of Xiyu-Culture and the Chinese economic program in Xinjiang. It also contributes to the analysis of the hitherto insufficiently recognized interactions between history, culture, politics and economics of cultural globalization in Xinjiang.},
  subject      = {Seidenstraße},
  language  = {de}
}