The New Dominion is back. But a few things are different.

Since its inception this website was meant to be a blog about Xinjiang. I’m retaining that goal, but due to circumstance much of the writing will also be dedicated to other topics: musings on Xinjiang, and thoughts on the study of Xinjiang, as opposed to Xinjiang itself.

There are reasons for this. First and foremost, the better and more insightful contributor to this blog, Tewpiq, will no longer be writing here. All that needs to be mentioned here is that Tewpiq continues his diligent study of the region and is making meaningful impacts in spheres more salient and relevant than an internet blog. A disclaimer: from here on out, the opinions expressed on this blog do not reflect or relate to any belief or opinion of Tewpiq’s.

That leaves me, Porfiriy. I had the opportunity to live in Xinjiang for a period of time, and that firsthand experience, coupled with a decision to study the region academically, formed the ethos for my writing on Xinjiang. Unfortunately, due to myriad reasons, I have not been to Xinjiang for quite a while. With each year that passes, Xinjiang becomes, inevitably, something to ponder and muse abstractly, as opposed to something to engage and explore directly. This, of course, affects how I write about the area, and what authority, if any, I can lay claim to.

But there still is much that can be said about Xinjiang, even if at a distance. I’m no longer in academia, and I am no longer a pair of eyes on the ground, but I’d be willing to argue that the growing gap in time and space between myself and Xinjiang constitutes a fresh perspective on things. That fresh perspective is something I will explore here on this blog.