In the sun-baked landscapes of Turpan, northwestern China, Gulbakram Mumin walks the same ancient paths her family has guarded for generations. The Jiaohe Ruins, a 2,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site that once thrived as a Silk Road hub, now finds its legacy protected by this dedicated historian and cultural custodian.
Mumin’s journey began in the shadow of Jiaohe’s earthen walls, where her grandfather first documented the site’s artifacts. After studying heritage preservation, she returned to innovate conservation techniques while educating visitors about the city’s role as a crossroads of civilizations. "Every crack in these walls tells a story," she says, noting how digital mapping now complements traditional methods to combat erosion.
Her work bridges past and present: school groups marvel at reconstructed Han Dynasty pottery, while researchers collaborate on climate-resilient preservation strategies. As tourism in Xinjiang grows, Mumin emphasizes sustainable access: "We’re not just saving ruins—we’re keeping alive the dialogues between Buddhist, Persian, and Chinese cultures that shaped Asia."
